We have a friend who has in the last 6 months started attending our church and coming to our Sunday School class. We've become fast friends! She is a real treasure, and is bringing something extra to our class that is definitely needed. She recently went on a mission trip to Belize. We asked what we could send with her on the trip, and she suggested tennis balls.
Tennis balls?? On a mission trip??
Yes, we wondered the same thing! But those going on these trip each year throw the tennis balls to kids who are waiting by the side of the road. It is the only toy that many of them will have for an entire year. They play with that tennis ball until the next year when new missionaries come by with new balls.
Think about that....I mean, my sons are most definitely spoiled with too many toys. They cannot even fathom what it would be like to have only one toy. But to these children, a yellow tennis ball completes their need for a toy--for an entire year!!
So last Sunday, my sister coined a phrase related to this: She encouraged us to have a "Tennis Ball Outlook" on our lives. We need to be thankful for what we have and grateful to the Lord for our many, many blessings. We have been blessed to be born into a country of much prosperity where we have many opportunities, and even if we are born into a lower economic class, with help and work, we can bring ourselves success and betterment. We have homes, food, clothing, and even have extra to spend on such luxuries that we consider 'needs' as computers and internet access.
So are you looking at life with a "Tennis Ball Outlook?" If not, why not? What do you need to change to do so??
6 comments:
Great post!!!!! That is a great idea about the tennis balls.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your post is a great encouragement as well....the Bible says that He will give us what we need, not what we think we need or what we want. Easy for us to get mixed up these days.
Thanks for stopping by my world and leaving a comment. I know what you mean about the Tennis Ball Outlook - I'm trying to teach my son the exact same thing! Keep up the good work!!
I think I'll just get a tennis ball and carry it around in my car and on my desk at work to remind me of your post and the story behind it. :) Thanks for sharing. Our mission trip this summer opened our eyes to many such things and it's so hard to look at people with the same eyes now. I see the selfishness in people so much sooner than before. Thanks for the blog love and I'll be back for more of your insights! :) God Bless!
What a wonderful post!
My hubby has done many relief missons as an Army helicopter pilot and has brought home stories of how thankful the little ones are for the simplest things!
And all our three children have gone on various mission trips, dental missions in Honduras and Roatan, support trips to Nicaragua...
And over and over again, you see the sweetest children with beautiful smiles that are so happy for the littlest thing!
Blessings & Aloha!
(Hope you have some time to visit me on this encouragement blog hop :o) I love your comments.
Wow. It really puts things into perspective! I think we are all guilty of not using the tennis ball approach at some time or another and need a gentle reminder of what really is important! Thanks!
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