I was glued to my couch…for about two and a half hours.  Remember, I have three little ones under the age of three (6, 4, and 21 months), so carving time out to watch what I want to watch, has to happen very very strategically.  My parents came over to watch the kids on Saturday, so that I could do some clothing shopping. By the way, my husband came with me, so we made it a day date, which was nice!  As my parents were trying to leave, they were distracted by the 2019 U.S. Open. I had completely forgotten that the 2019 U.S. Open was airing on that weekend. It was the women’s tennis match between Bianca Andreescu and Serena Williams.  

I grew up in a household full of tennis players, including myself.   Although, I wanted Serena to win, I was still excited and happy for Bianca.  After watching, I thought about why that was so amazing and inspiring to watch, and here are the conclusions that I came up with:

1. Serena has won 23 Grand Slam titles.
2. Bianca was the first Canadian (male or female) to ever win a Grand Slam title.
3. They both have a different journey that tells a story of how they arrived to be top female athletes.
4. They set goals, worked hard, and remained focused on their futures.

These women have established an incredible work ethic through their self-discipline and perseverance to achieve their goals!  I am reminded of the following scriptures:

-“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize?  Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!” (I Corinthians 9:24, AMP)
*Context on this scripture here*

-“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].” (Hebrews 12:2)
*Context on this scripture here*

Realize that the interpretation “run [your race]” is referring to your journey by faith with Christ!  Just as Serena and Bianca have their own personal journeys in how they arrived at this point in their careers, we all have our own as well. It is our responsibility to not only do the best in running our race, but more importantly to stay focused on Jesus because He is the one who matures our faith and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.  We must lay aside every comparison we’ve made, every disappointment we’ve endured, and every regret that we have had. We have to keep going day by day, remaining focused, and looking straight ahead. So I ask you, is your eye on the ball?  What steps do you need to take in order to keep your eye on the ball? Make those adjustments and keep moving by faith!

I hope this note of reflection blessed you!  Again, I was encouraged and felt like superwoman after watching  the tennis match! Don’t forget to share!

-Blessings,

Kia