words

Last night was another expected night of tennis with the guys (Chinese). I hadn't been able to play with them for well over a month and it was time. Unbeknownst to me, only one other man would be able to play.
So there I was with Michael and two hours worth of tennis paid for. Michael speaks very little English and I speak even less Cantonese. While the tennis would be fine, how would we communicate? These questions continued throughout our warm-up. It was time to play. As we began, something funny happened; words seemed much less significant to enjoying our time together. This went way beyond just playing tennis. As I watched Michael, his spirit was one that I don't often see. Michael carries himself with a sense of peace and joy that my words don't adequately express.
I don't know much about him but I will always respect Michael. It was a pleasure to spend two hours with him last night. His spirit and attitude were made more refreshing because they shone through in a city that tells you to do whatever it takes to get ahead. Michael is one of those people that you want to be with hoping that their love of life (and maybe of Christ) will help you live life that fully. He inspired me. He made me so conscious of my attitude that I have been convicted of it all day.
From a tennis perspective, we had some fun. In time, I suspect I will forget the tennis played last night. I hope I never cease to be inspired by the attitude of joy demonstrated on that court.