Australia has been battling the most devastating wildfires in recent history. On Sunday evening our time, the Australian Open, the first major tennis tournament of the year began. The usual contenders are present along with some new faces. Most of them are focused on the game, hoping to hold the championship trophy in a little over 10 days.
Tennis, like few other sports, is truly an international competition. During their pre match interviews, home town players like Nick Kyrios and Ashleigh Barty have been talking about the damage these fires have done to their nation. As hard as it has been to learn of the destruction, I have felt truly warmed and touched by the innovative ways tennis players have shown their support for the Australian people.
Serena Williams and Roger Federer donated their recent winnings to the relief efforts there. At an exhibition match, prior to the opening of the Australian Open, over $5 million was raised, as the stars of the tennis world joined together for this special event. After Kyrios announced that he would be donating $200 per ace, other players have followed suit. Many are donating their entire winnings in the tournament back to the country of Australia as the wildfires continue and relief efforts begin in some areas.
And what tennis players are doing half a world away has inspired me to ask how we can make a difference in our local communities. Can we pledge a portion of what we have…possibly donating a few dollars or our spare change each time we see an ambulance, fire or police car responding to a call? Could we have a money jar by the television? Each time a commercial comes on asking us to rescue an animal or support a child who is ill or in need of prolonged care, could we add the amount being requested for a day or a month to that jar. While we are grocery shopping, could we pick up a few extra items to donate to a food pantry? If we are in a craft store, could we invest in a project for someone we have never met?
We may not all be extraordinary athletes. But each of us can support one another in extraordinary ways. I hope that we can share whatever we set aside with our faith communities? Our giving can continue to transform the lives of others we support through our mission and ministry.
May God bless us in all that we do in the name of His son and our Savior. And Amen.