Why as a Scot do I walk around with the thought that as a
sporting nation we manage to “snatch
defeat out of the jaws of victory”. I’m laughing at myself as there were hints
of superstition seeping into my psyche as I nervously listened to the media
hype up Andy Murray’s chances of becoming the first British Wimbledon Champion
since Fred Perry, only for him to succeed. Well done!
Andy has considerable desire, and a grueling routine and it
must take an enormous amount of focus and determination to keep going. He is however
part of a significant team of professionally all helping him reach his personal
goal.
He’s got one coach, Ivan Lendl, two fitness trainers,
Jez Green and Matt Little, his hitting partner Danny Vallverdu, physio Andy
Ireland, and Matt Gentry from Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment (his management
team). Andy admits that to begin with he took some stick for having a big
entourage, but says it’s crucial to his performance at this level.[1]
That’s seven dedicated people all working together
determined to make the future dream of one a reality.
Sometime we need that level of support, particularly when we
face significant challenges. There are stories of loners who manager against
all the odds to pull through exceptionally difficult circumstances, but most of
us need others around us – loving, caring, supporting, challenging,
encouraging.
How many people do
you think are required to help someone get free from a substance addiction,
build new positive relationships, settle into a new house and community, participate
in further education and secure a sustainable job? Answer – lots. It takes time too, just ask Andy Murray!
We don’t have Team Murray, but we do have Team GCM. We’re
grateful for all the staff and volunteers, who believe passionately that with
God all things are possible.
Our prayer is often the same as the author of Hebrews:
Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.[i]
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.[i]
[i]
Hebrews 13:20f
