Each night for the past 2 weeks the Australian Open had taken our evenings. Ranjit and I would settle down to watch the games and be transported to the tennis courts in Melbourne! The men’s finals was a thriller which was played late into the night. Jannik Sinner who was down 2 sets wrapped up the match winning three sets in a row keeping millions around the world glued to the screen.

 

In his interview on how he could pull himself up after losing 2 sets,  Yannik said he had 2 points in mind as he played.

To be relaxed and to follow his game plan.

 

In our everyday lives as students, wives, daughters, mothers, colleagues, and grandmothers it would be wonderful if we could keep reminding ourselves of only these 2 points:

1. Relax

2. Follow through with our game plan.

 

RELAX and lighten up

Learning to smile more and laugh often has been something in the 50s I have been working on. 

I love that the Bible has so many verses on joy and rejoicing. St Paul who wrote to the Philippians from prison says ‘Rejoice, again I say rejoice.’ When Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and for us his children, he prays that we will enjoy the joy he enjoyed. Doesn’t that sound beautiful?

Philippians 4:4 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice in the Lord. 

John 17:13 ESV

I pray that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

As I read the gospels of Jesus walking with his disciples among dusty roads I picture him talking, laughing, listening. Of all our wedding gifts my favorite was a pencil sketch of Jesus laughing which was from one of my mother’s friends. It reminds me to lighten up and, yes, laugh. 

 

Some practical things have helped me to lighten up, laugh and relax,

• I delete anything from my phone which is sad and downcast.

• Keeping strife out is something I pray about and work at. Often a call, a postcard, or some home baking softens hearts.

Romans 12: 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

• I surround myself at home and at work with beautiful, happy pictures, photographs, Hand-drawn and hand written notes. Hand drawn love notes from students adorn my workplace. At home, I have Mike's poems and paintings, Meshaks models and Binu’s carefully cut-out cards, and Ranjan's exquisite stained glass pieces. 

Drafting a game plan for life

So what does it mean to have a game plan for life? It means we live intentionally so don't just drift through life. Here are a few things that make up my game plan for life.

Having a quiet time routine:

I was not a morning person but over the years I have made it a point to wake up at 5.30 am and spend my first hour with Jesus. It is my time with my best friend. I talk to him, read the Bible, memorize verses, sing, and listen. This time sets me up for the day ahead. It could be a time which suits you, it could be 10 min or 30 min. But start and you will be blessed.

Look what Jesus did:

Mark 1:35 NIV

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Scheduling ‘me’ times and family times in the day and week

I have learned to block time in my day to do what I enjoy! I work 4 days and have Fridays to do my writing. Sometimes I catch up with friends on my day off and spend quiet time painting, crafting, or reading. Weekends are planned by my husband and we enjoy walks, movies at home, eating out and video calls with children who live overseas.

Looking to Jesus as I do my everyday life

I choose a verse from my study to carry with me through the day. This helps me look at the world, my world, and the people around me through the lens of God’s love and grace. It helps me look at myself as God sees me too!

Let me finish off with an encouraging quote by C S Lewis

God will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy, joy, wisdom, and love as we cannot now imagine.

Hold this in your heart, dear friend as you write your game plan for life.