It seems that every year for the past several, we’ve had one senior that doesn’t quite jump onto the varsity. Why do they keep playing? Because tennis is fun. All season I’ve been preaching, yes preaching, to the team that tennis shouldn’t be life and death. That we are blessed by the opportunity to play tennis, because tennis and the team that surrounds it is fun.
Maybe I should have pointed them to Justin’s example. This season, he’s having a great year as far as tennis goes. With his win tonight, Justin has become 2nd in all-time JV wins with 24. He’s won 8 times this year. But I’m not sure that’s what drives him to keep playing. For me, I appreciate things like last Saturday. A rule in the Fremont JV Invitational said that no seniors could play, so Justin couldn’t go to that tournament. But instead of just taking the weekend off, he jumped on the varsity bus and came along to the varsity tournament. At 7:00 AM. In Merrillville. Or another great example of JZ’s nature is last night. Paul Krabill had to wait for a ride and Justin let Paul simply sit in his car, talking with him. I truly believe that Justin enjoys tennis for the team, and maybe also for the play too.
I also appreciate all that JZ’s done to help this year, from helping with feeding to teaching new drills to more. He has very willing and helpful spirit. Thinking of Justin, I’m reminded of Luke 6:38...
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Justin, may the team attitude and the helpful spirit you’ve displayed always come back with joy to you.
