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Program Notes or Transcript

The game…of tennis…is a lot…like…life!  I invite you to get into the swing of things with me today on Take Five.  Hi this is Doug Flemming your tennis partner with good music and lessons for your life on the program Take Five, brought to you by the Church of the Nazarene.  Whether you are a tennis fan or not, you’ve got to admire how 17 year old Maria Sharapova  won the Wimbledon title. The teenage Russian had completed a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Serena Williams, reigning Wimbledon champ. So this match was like David defeating Goliath. Dr. Ralph Wilson in his internet newsletter, joyfulheart.com, writes about 4 things we can learn from the game of tennis. First, tennis is filled with errors. Most every serve or volley will end in a point due to someone's mistake. Mistakes are part of the game. The very best players make mistakes. But winners learn how to deal with their imperfection and still go on.  Second, the game isn't over 'til it's over. A tennis match requires two winning sets before the game is complete. You can lose the first set and still come back to win the match. Don't give up just because you lost the first round.  Third, mental toughness is just as important as skill. If you lose your focus or your confidence, you will probably lose the game. Winning requires mental toughness to come back when your down.  Finally, whether we win or lose today, the world isn't over. Life goes on. You may feel beaten down or crushed by circumstances. But don't give up. Don't quit. Persevere even against the odds.

Today’s Music: I Will Overcome, N Pankratz

Let me wrap up our tennis match today with a closing thought from Dr. Ralph Wilson.  He says, fortunately, life is not like tennis is one singular point. When you are playing a singles match, you're on your own. But in the Game of Life, Christ is with you. The Holy Spirit is present to strengthen you. Your Christian brothers and sisters are rooting for you and there to encourage you. You are not alone. Draw on the resources God has given you. Don't give up. You live to fight another day with Christ at your side. And you with Christ will prevail!