I received a Pro Tour tennis player's Christmas message acknowledging those who helped him in life and it begins by thanking God. Reflecting on where your source of help has come from is a very good thing to do while you are on top, and also as you face your end.
I keep telling myself, "Remember those who came before you; those you saw who gave to others; those who willingly sacrificed for others; those who gave freely to you, don't forget them and then finish the race doing the same." If those who helped you can do it, then you can do it! I encourage you to tell yourself - "Go, (your name), go" - and then finish that race. Give your best, then pass your baton to others to continue what you yourself have received from others.
My life has been a long distance race with many mountain tops and only a few valleys. After fifty-one years, my finish line is within sight. It may be several years, ten years or even twenty years but the remaining time in my race will be over soon. One more push, one more breath, one more effort, one more saved soul; these are my own words as I grasp for strength to carry on to that finish line.
In remembrance:
Tennis:
My Father, Roger Kraft (deceased) - allowed me to attend "tennis tournaments" as a junior.
Barry and Martha Nixon - taught me great fundamentals of the tennis game, and the family for inviting me "in".
Gerry (deceased) and Jacki Jerribek - taught me to be an entrepreneur at an early age.
Lyle Snodgrass (deceased) - the school janitor who opened the door for me every day to practice
Steve Contardi - professionalism and tennis camp expertise.
Marian Baird (deceased) - a person can achieve great things despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
Kay (deceased) and Bernie Shubert (deceased) - an interest in me and channeled me in the right directions.
Dr. Alan Meyers (deceased) - recruited me for college tennis.
Lee Jackson (deceased) - introduced me to others in National tennis.
Barbara Williams(deceased) - encouraged me and introduced me to USTA
Eve Kraft (deceased) - helped me in as many ways as she could with placing me among others in national tennis.
Kay and Rich Howe - expertise in club management
Christian Filhol - concepts of world class tennis.
Spiritual:
Orlin Paris - opened the door for me to go into world missions.
Loren and Darleen Cummingham - humility as they impacted millions worldwide for Christ.
Norm and Bobbie Evans - someone great in sports can be a servant to others.
Pastor Tom Streeter - the importance of 'community' in Christ.
Pastor Milton Mead (deceased) - A great Father to his children and a sportsman who was humble.
Pastor, Dr. Paul Pang, commitment to the Gospel in advanced years of age.
Pastor Dennis and Kathy Balcombe - live a simple lifestyle and stay focused on one goal.
Pastor Margaret and Barry Court - kind understanding encourager's.
Pastor Paul and Diane Sarchet-Waller - humble in the small ways, step by step.
