I have many great memories of Joel through the years. He made me a cheesecake last year for my birthday that we pulled out and ate after our Saturday match against Triton. He was always a major contributor at our Monday lunch meetings a couple of years ago. He brought ice cream for the whole team at one of those lunch meetings. He gave me extra ice cream at the Magic Wand last year. Maybe I just like ice cream :-)
My tennis memories of Joel are growing too. I remember watching him play with Daniel in the last match against NorthWood three years ago. I remember his joy and effort then. It hasn’t changed now. In our last match against Westview, Joel took on a superior opponent with belief and determination. When he lashed a baseline overhead for a winner, his enthusiasm was voiced in a “Let’s go!” that created energy for all his teammates. Last Saturday he got his first 6-0, 6-0 varsity when and immediately texted me: “Do you want to know the scores?”
I love Joel’s belief that he can get better and his joy in doing so. I’m sure this will be the legacy he leaves. I’m sure of it because of the way he directs this towards his teammates as well. He’ll hit with anyone during practice, he’ll feed extra balls, he’ll cheer on the JV guys. I loved this summer at tennis camp, while we waited in line for the showers, we sat down and played a card game with Joel, Philip, Joseph, Will, Theo and I. A senior, a junior, three freshman and the coach. And Joel was loving it. He was enthusiastic just to be with people. Because that is just part of who he is!
The Bible uses a word to describe this combination of enthusiasm and pursuit of improvement. It calls this “zeal.” The root of this word comes from the verb to boil water. I like this image of Joel... his boiling energy keeps the whole team warm and comfortable. It is a great gift that Joel uses so well.
Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
