INSPIRATIONAL REFLECTION

WHO YOU HAVE

AROUND YOU

REAL LIFE
ANDRE AGASSI’S BOOK, OPEN, REVEALS THE DEEP
HURTS HE CARRIED FROM A CHILDHOOD THAT
FELT DEVOID OF CHOICE.
Agassi’s father was a driven man, determined to Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is
make his youngest son a tennis star. Agassi can never made by the friends we choose.
remember being asked if he wanted to play tennis, his
- Tennessee Williams
father made that decision for him.
As Agassi became an adult and was able to make some
decisions about his life and career, he began to realise
the importance of who he had around him. It took
time for him to find the people who he wanted in his
corner, but when he did, it helped every aspect of his
life, including his tennis. He discovered that when he
had a team around him that truly had his best interests
at heart, he could be the best version of himself both
on and off the court. Having people like his trainer who
was also a loving, father figure to him and his brother
who understood all he had been through, enabled him
to withstand the huge pressures of the ATP tour and
ultimately become the number 1 ranked tennis player
in the world.
BIBLE VERSE
God created fellowship – He knows that we need each
other. Both in life and in sport, we need others around Two people are better off than one, for they can help
us to encourage us when we feel disheartened and each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can
to counsel us when we need another perspective. reach out and help. But someone who falls
alone is in real trouble.
We all have weaknesses and blind spots. We all have
moments when we feel overwhelmed. It is highly Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
likely that we would benefit from the support of wise,
trustworthy people around us. The bible acknowledges
the blessing of having someone to help us up when PRAYER
we fall down (Ecclesiastes 4:9) and even Jesus had an
Lord thank You that You designed community. I ask for
angel come to strengthen Him at His time of greatest
Your wisdom regarding who I have around me, help me
challenge (Luke 22:43). Choosing to have good people
to choose people who will love and support me, and
around you is one of the wisest things you can do in
guide me in the direction You want me to go.
both sport and life.

Author: Sarah Auld | Content Editor: Phil Pawley

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