Brothers and sisters,
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been in the process of picking up an old habit, an old hobby of mine. The fact that I’m picking it back up actually crept into a few of my sermons lately. A few weeks ago, I talked about making choices and used the example of whether or not to dedicate eight weeks to a class. Well, a month or so ago, I signed up for a seven-week class available in north Raleigh. And last week, it very obviously creeped into my sermon, considering I talked about a specific strategy I used to use while playing it. I’ve signed up for my first formal tennis lessons since high school!
And let me tell you, since signing up, my nights have been filled with anticipation. The class doesn’t start till July (that’s how far out you have to book things now!), but I’ve been going through all my old tennis equipment to see what’s still usable. I’ve still got my three racquets from high school, though all three need to be restrung. My old tennis dampeners have dried out and are basically useless now. And the overgrips on my racquets literally crumble in my hands when I spin the racquet. But that’s the fun thing about this — as I’m searching for things to update my racquets and gear, I’m reminiscing on all the fun I had while playing tennis. I’m remembering the friends I made, the great matches I played, and the feeling of pushing myself to reach new goals. It’s fantastic!
I tell you all that because I think there is a lot of joy that can come from picking up old hobbies and remembering that God experiences joy with us as well. In other words, as I reflect on who I was when I was playing tennis before and how much tennis helped shape me as a person, I have this sense that God remembers that version of me, too. God remembers that version of me and remembers the joy of those times. Stepping back into tennis reminds me of God’s presence with me throughout my life. It reminds me of how much God has loved me from an early age—not because I am special, but because God is. Stepping back into tennis reminds me of who I am and reminds me of the joy of God.
So, take some time over the next few days or weeks and think about some of your old habits, your old hobbies. See if there are any you’d like to pick back up. Remember the love and joy God had for you then and remind yourself that God loves and rejoices with you now! If you used to love hiking, ride over to a state park and go hiking one day. If you used to be a movie buff, pull out one of your old favorites, make some popcorn, and watch it. If you loved knitting or crocheting, take this article as a sign to give it another go. But always remember, God loved you then and God loves you now.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Ben
P. S. When I played tennis in high school, I loved fun colors and patterns for my gear. So, while my main racquet is black, it will have a neon green overgrip. My shoes have lots of bright blue on them and my new dampener is in the shape of a to-go cup of coffee. Because if you’re doing something for fun, why not have some fun, right?