I just found out that several players are not going to be at the upcoming Grand Slam events after having played for more than three decades at these events, most recently in the senior and invitational doubles. They all have one thing in common each winning a Grand Slam Championship (Australian, French, Wimbledon or US Opens) and often more than one in their era.
This is a group that would sit around and graciously include me as we talked about our families, our children, our histories and our life's journeys. We have done this for quite a few years now at Grand Slams and I am especially fond of remembering the table in the French Open players lounge that we would sit at until 7-8pm just talking. Some were Christians and some were not, but we always got along wonderfully. I am so thankful that God allowed me to get to know you and it is an honor and privilege to know each of you.
I will miss you guys. I will miss our companionship. I will our stories. I will miss having the opportunity to hear about the tour in 70' and 80's. I will miss watching you play. I will miss our laughter. I will miss meeting your family. Most importantly I will miss sharing about Christ with you. Yes, tears are coming now for me, as how can I forget how kind you were to me, even offering me your meal allowance when I was first in need.
Let's move on...knowing that we have to. But remember that we are never far away from each other, through prayer. Please do pray for me; as I will for you. I continue on at those Slam events reaching another generation of players and remember the old saying 'until we meet again'.
Remember as we face the end of our journeys. God can always use us to help others. If we can breathe - PRAY! If we can speak - ENCOURAGE OTHERS! If we can recall - TELL WHERE THE POTHOLES ARE AND SAVE US FROM FALLING IN THEM. It's wonderful what God can do in just one day - so give Him all the days you have left to help others. God will make a way, when there seems to be no way!
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. - Deuteronomy 34:7
The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than the beginning. - Job 42:12
Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Discipleship is Relationship)
remembering our greatest players and paying tribute to those who have made great accomplishments not just in the game of tennis but also those serving the Lord as he would wish us to serve ourselves for others is God's will. Gregory Scott Dart 