The Biggest Score

The Biggest Score

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

It crossed Tiffany’s mind not to go to the after-tournament party, but she figured if Coach had made an effort to encourage her, she ought to be there. At least Coach wouldn’t let any of the other players razz her about the call. Coach was always stressing honesty.

Sometimes I wonder what makes her tick, Tiffany thought.

At six thirty, the whole team was gathered in Coach’s family room, guzzling colas and trying not to drop pizza cheese on the carpet. Finally, Coach cleared her throat.

“Well, team, we had a good year,” she said. “Sure, we didn’t make it as far as we had hoped, but we got much further than a lot of people thought we would.”

She opened the shopping bag at her feet. “You need to know I’m proud of each one of you,” she said. “You’ve grown this year, and I’m looking forward to watching where life takes you. To close out the season, I have a gift for you.”

She reached into the bag and pulled out a New Testament. “This Book contains principles that help me as I try to be a good wife and teacher as well as a good coach,” she said as she handed a book to each player. “I hope you’ll remember what I’ve written in the front: ‘Love in tennis means nothing. The love in this Book means everything.’ If you remember that, you’ll have an easier time with all of life’s matches.”

Tiffany looked at the copy in her hands. So this is what makes Coach tick, she thought. Suddenly, she was eager to read it. —SANDRA

Lord, in this day of so-called political correctness, I’m astonished the coach handed out New Testaments to her players. Help me to walk that fine line between appropriate action and overzealousness. Help me to stop being afraid of the few who would censure my religious freedom.

God proved his love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.” —BILLY GRAHAM, AMERICAN EVANGELIST