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??
