Simply Op

01/10/2026 My inspired moment today was prompted, not by nature, but by a dialogue exchange. Last year (2025), I took beginning tennis lessons (group) every Saturday for the most part. When December of 2025 hit, I either started to burnout or did not plan ahead enough to sign-up for continued classes (either scenario likely). It is the new year (2026). I signed up for the same beginning tennis class because it works with my schedule. In the middle of class today, coach commented, “I missed you, Opal (he paused and then added) I didn’t expect that.” I jokingly teased, “Rude” as if being missed should not have been such a surprise. After that exchange, we continued playing tennis- coach launching balls and our group doing our best to make the balls in the court on the other side. As the day went on, though, I held on to that moment. I felt special because I knew that coach has had 1,000s of participants come in and out of his classes over the years. His surprise was genuine and made it all the more meaningful. Little does coach know, for so long I had been searching for somewhere to belong outside of work and the coffee shop. I just could not find it on my own. 

Growing up, I was an athlete through and through. I played a variety of sports, did the camps, and participated in travel leagues. When I went to college and then entered adulthood, I had transitioned away from being an “athlete” to just daily exercise of my choice. As I reflect on resuming a sport for recreation, I notice how beneficial it is to be around people doing the same thing weekly. I notice how my mind turns off and just focuses on the present moment. If you let your mind wander, you miss the ball, lol. Most of all, though, there is just something about having a coach- someone wise to help you improve at a skill and to share witty banter with. Luckily, this coach allows for humor and fun, too. Overall, I have gratitude for being remembered and for being missed. ❤

Maybe this is your sign to try a class or sign up for a sport. You may find that it is therapeutic and enjoyable! If you have missed someone, please tell them today. They might need to hear it.  

Isaiah 44:21b I have made you… [and] I will never forget you.