A career- and life- changer

Even if you are not a tennis enthusiast, you probably know the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, is played every July.

You have also probably heard of Pete Sampras, the handsome, affable American who won Wimbledon an amazing 7 times.

Playing Wimbledon did not start off well for Pete. He did not win a single match in his first few tournaments.

Enter a new coach, Tim Gullikson. Tim fixed a flaw with how Pete hit his backhand return of service.  Pete used a large swing which worked well on the slower hardcourts Pete grew up playing on in Southern California.

The playing surface of Wimbledon is grass. This plays much faster and has an erratic, inconsistent bounce. Opponents defeated Pete by consistently hitting their serves to Pete’s backhand.

Tim made Pete shorten his return motion and keep his racquet at the level of the ball. This one adjustment changed Pete’s career and tennis history was written differently.

How about for us?

Is there something difficult going on in your life or with someone you care about?

Enter a new coach. Would that help?

Sometimes, a challenge can feel insurmountable, but the perspective of a wise and caring mentor can illuminate a way forward that we hadn’t seen. Just like Tim Gullikson helped Pete Sampras unlock his potential, there might be someone in your life who can offer clarity, guidance, or simply a listening ear. A coach isn’t just a person with technical know-how; they’re someone who sees your struggles and believes in your ability to rise above them.

Perhaps the first step is reflection. Who are the "coaches" already present in your life? They might not call themselves that, but their insights, encouragement, or even small nudges toward betterment can have profound effects.

• Is there someone who is approachable and who is trustworthy?

• Is there a small group at Westbrook that would be helpful?

• How about speaking with Kevin, Nate, Heidi or a Christian counselor?

• Spend time with God in prayer and Bible reading.

  
  

Of course, we always have the perfect coach available to us. Jesus said He would provide a comforter and counselor- the Holy Spirit. He offers to be an active presence in our lives.

He will guide us, empower us, comfort us, and give us wisdom.

Pete Sampras connected with Tim Gullikson as his coach and traveling companion.

If we connect with and accept Christ as our savior, the Holy Spirit is offering to live inside us and help us grow. That will truly be a life changer and rewrite our personal history.