Quote

Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.

Tennessee Williams

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 make his youngest son a tennis star. Agassi can never remember being asked if he wanted to play tennis, his 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.

God created fellowship – He knows that we need each other. Both in life and in sport, we need others around us to encourage us when we feel disheartened and to counsel us when we need another perspective. We all have weaknesses and blind spots. We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed. It is highly 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 we fall down (Ecclesiastes 4:9) and even Jesus had an angel come to strengthen Him at His time of greatest challenge (Luke 22:43). Choosing to have good people around you is one of the wisest things you can do in both sport and life.

Bible Verses

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Prayer

Lord thank You that You designed community. I ask for Your wisdom regarding who I have around me, help me to choose people who will love and support me, and guide me in the direction You want me to go.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley