Beginning Tennis​​

Personal Story about Control:

 

While receiving serve on a critical point of the 2015 championship match of the BYU Men's Doubles Intramural Tournament, I framed the return, sending the ball skyward over our opponent's heads.  I cringed, supposing I had just blown the game for my team. But to my surprise, the ball landed just inside the elbow of the deuce side of the court for a perfect offensive lob winner!

 

Eager to ease my apparent embarrassment, my partner rushed over to me, delivering an enthusiastic high five and joked, "Wow, Bryan! You couldn't have struck that ball better had you tried." I laughed and let the truth of what he said sink in. I realized that even though my shot had been completely out of my control, it was exactly what we needed.

 

Spiritual Thought:

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Sometimes, in life, we cause ourselves undo stress when we attempt to control every possible aspect of our lives. In these moments, it's healthy to remember: When things aren't going "according to plan," maybe we need to re-evaluate whose plan we are looking at. 

 

In my tennis example, my temporary lack in concentration served as a serendipitous tender mercy. Through it, I was able to realize that, sometimes, what I initially see as irreversible disasters, often ultimately work out as cherished blessings. Additionally, I realized that I do not need to feel in control of every aspect of my life—rather, I am just here on earth trying to help others around me to have an enjoyable experience, and to personally never stop trying to be a better disciple of the Savior.