The Tennis Lesson

So it begins, the father teaches. I am young, but quick to learn. The green ball bounces from one friend to the other with such rhythm, the rackets an extension of each player’s arm. I watch and listen. I’m in awe. Suddenly I see the green before me. I swing. Ouch. It’s caught by the net. Shoot. “Try again!” Dad starts the play. I feel my wrist throb. “It hurts my wrist!”

“A good hurt, keep it straight!” I catch a smile from my teacher. Okay, keep it straight. Green again, straight swing. Ouch. It clears the net. Old friend passes with a grin. And so it continued.

I must confess that’s the only time I’ve played thus far. Therefore, I am by no means an expert. But I did learn something quite unique that day. Inside that little green ball lies a lot of power - and not just because it leaves your wrist sore. The true power of the tennis ball is in the gift of sharing. Each time it bounces from your racket, it’s yours for the moment. Then you pass it along, and it becomes your friend’s. What a wonderful way to share wisdom.