Play Tennis - Faith Music Connection

Why I Play Tennis

As far back as I can remember, I have loved sports, particularly those involving hitting and catching a ball. Baseball was my favorite, and I was an all-star player throughout Little League and in summer leagues through high school. At this point, I had not considered why I would ever play tennis.

When not playing in organized leagues, we always had a neighborhood game going. We discovered that an old tennis ball was a great substitute for a baseball. It jumped off the bat when well-hit but would not travel as far as a baseball.

A tennis ball was also much less likely to cause injury, especially when younger players were involved.

I knew only one family who played tennis. Though I watched grand-slam tennis events on TV, I think I was in college before I actually bought a racquet–a Jack Kramer model–and hit some balls on the court.

I enjoyed taking tennis as a physical education college elective course; but the golf bug had bitten me good, and I basically, did not play tennis for the next thirty years.

Love Inspired My Tennis

Then, I met Mary Lynn. She was a gifted athlete and a tennis champion.

So, I became a student of tennis with the ultimate goal of being able to play well enough to be her partner in mixed-doubles. I worked hard to gain proficiency on the court, and after years of frustration, did achieve my goal.

Now, every Wednesday is our “tennis date.”

Mary & Larry Frazier - Faith Music Connection

Mary Lynn & Larry Frazier

We share a session of tennis drills with our local pro, followed by a few games of mixed doubles with another couple who are dear friends and a long lunch. Even though I am now again enjoying golf, these Wednesday dates are a highlight of our week.

About the Author Larry Frazier

Larry spent 24 years teaching music at the University of West Georgia to over 6,000 students. Ten years ago, Larry and his wife Mary Lynn, received comfort, support and inspiration from traditional Christian hymns while she overcame stage-three colon cancer. Larry is on a mission to help you discover God’s incredible power through the intersection of faith and Christian music in your life.