“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
One of the things that has most impressed me about the dazzling new tennis phenom, Carlos Alcaraz, is his emphasis on family and community. Those who know his story will recall that he was raised in El Palmar, a small village in Spain. In an area not known at all for its affluence, it was a humble upbringing which taught Carlos early on that one needed others in order to survive and succeed. Even among his own family members, money was tight and sacrifices had to be made in order to keep the family going.
Very early on in his professional tennis career, Alcaraz determined that he would bring his community along with him. Meaning, he would do what he could financially and otherwise to lift them up as he rose to the top of the tennis rankings, and wouldn’t forget what built him into the person he’s become today. Very wise for someone so young and new to the sport.
I’ve also noticed the importance of family and community at work among his own team of coaches, medical assistants and relatives that travel to his various tournaments to support him. Almost every match, as he is getting ready to walk out on the court, he is seen in the back area, exchanging hugs with his team as they wish him well. There is a spirit of togetherness not often seen in most working relationships between athletes and their staff. There is a genuine love there that is nothing short of heartwarming.
See, Carlos figured out long ago that you can’t do anything alone. You need people around you to keep you accountable, to help you grow, to help you change. You need a support system in place to help you keep your perspective and to remind you of your ultimate goals when you lose your way. And this same truth goes for anything worthwhile in life: None of us can get anywhere meaningful without the assistance of those around us. And who we choose to include in that group matters!
We are born for community; we were never made to do life alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (see above) specifically talks about the benefits of having others around you. It’s harder to tear someone apart when they have advocates and helpers (especially when God is in the picture). Doing life together is always better than doing it apart. It makes the victories sweeter and the defeats more bearable.
Don’t chase your dreams or do anything in your life alone. Wisely pick the right people and take them on the ride with you, as Carlos Alcaraz has done. Everyone needs to have their group, their people that help them get where they hope to be and become who they’re supposed to be along the way. And when you ensure one of your supports is the Holy Spirit, you will find you are not easily broken, even in the midst of the difficulties of life.
— Katherine Singer
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
