Today I'm starting a new series on 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) and it starts with patience. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient and kind…" Paul pairs these two attributes of love together because the complement one another.

Patience isn't "just sticking it out" or begrudgingly tolerating someone or a situation. That's stubbornness. It's an intentional action paired with kindness.

It's not enough to grit your teeth and get through a bad situation. That's not love. Being kind and not getting angry are just as important in a trying situation as accepting the situation you're in.

How Can We Apply This to Pickleball?

Patience is key when playing pickleball. Kindness is equally as important.

Pickleball News

If you haven't heard already, Andre Agassi is making his pickleball pro debut at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships and will will partner up with Anna Leigh Waters.

When asked about partnering with ALW he said, "[T]he idea of challenging myself to not screw things up for her is daunting.”

Pickleball Tip

Jordan Briones from Briones pickleball provides this week's tip. In this video where he talks about coaching Augie Ge, Jordan says being aware that something needs to change is important for improving at pickleball.

Closing Remarks

Next week we’ll cover the how love and kindness go together so make sure you’re following the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss the episode.

If you liked this podcast share it with a friend and don’t forget to stay out of the kitchen!

Music: "Electrodoodle" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Looking for a new paddle? I use and recommend Vatic Pro paddles. Use code GENXDINKS to get $10 off a new Vatic Pro paddle.

Today I'm covering the eighth and final Beatitude which reads, “Blessed are the those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 (NRSVUE)

I'm going to be honest here and say that I was not looking forward to doing this particular Beatitude. Persecution is a touchy subject. I honestly think that most western Christians have not suffered persecution. When we look at persecution in the Bible, we think of the Apostles who were stoned; people tried to kill them and they were even run out of town. We see people dying for their faith. I don't know anyone who has died for their faith, but Jesus promises a reward for them. So if you're in a part of the world where Christians are persecuted and you're listening to this, I just want to say to you while I cannot relate to what you're going through, there is hope in Jesus.

How Can We Apply This to Pickleball?

So how do we relate this to pickleball? There's not really a direct analogy, but what came to mind was targeting in a doubles match. If you're the person being targeted, it's usually because you're the weaker player in a doubles team. So what do you do? How do you overcome that feeling of pressure and how do you deal with that situation of having nearly every single ball come to you until you make a mistake? Well, I think once you're aware it's happening you need to accept it. Take a time out, talk with your partner and see if there are ways that you two can be creative to get more balls to your partner. Ask your partner for advice. Ask what you can do to switch things up for your opponent so they hit the ball to your partner. And hopefully you and your partner can workshop a solution to get more points, and maybe even win the game.

Pickleball News

This week's news is about this podcast. This is the last episode in this series on the Beatitudes. The next series will be on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. We'll look at the attributes of love and see how they can be applied to pickleball.

Pickleball Tip

This week's tip comes from Kieren Ricci and he suggests using a progressive approach to practicing your serve.

Closing Remarks

Next week we’ll cover the seventh Beatitude that deals with being a peacemaker so make sure you’re following the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you liked this podcast share it with a friend and don’t forget to stay out of the kitchen!

Music: "Electrodoodle" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Looking for a new paddle? I use and recommend Vatic Pro paddles. Use code GENXDINKS to get $10 off a new Vatic Pro paddle.

Today I'm covering the seventh Beatitude which reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 (NRSVUE)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. His life, death, resurrection, and return will usher in a new age of peace between God and man.

While there may not be peace now (because people like you and me are flawed and don't always choose the path of peace) we will inherit a kingdom of peace that will last forever.

Our goal now is to be peacemakers and confront conflict with the intention of a peaceful outcome.

How Can We Apply This to Pickleball?

Pickleball is a pretty chill sport. People from all ages and backgrounds play the sport recreationally and when I'm playing with my regular crew it's fun and relaxing.

Sometimes things don't go your way in a game. It could be a bad line call or someone you're playing against might be agressive or mouth off a little too much.

Being a peacemaker means being respectful when you question someone's judgment and accepting the call they make.

It might even mean contradicting your partner when they make a bad line call.

It doesn't mean not pointing out the bad call or attitude but you should be respectful and be willing to let things go for the sake of peace.

Remember: It's just one game and (hopefully) you don't have money riding on it.

Pickleball News

Last week's Carvana Mesa Cup produced some interesting results on Championship Sunday. Noteably, Ben Johns & Anna Leigh Waters earned a Bronze in Mixed Doubles. There were exciting match-ups throughout the tournament and this year's Carvanna PPA Tour looks like it will produce some interesting rivalries.

Pickleball Tip

Today's tip is from me! Don't spend time and money modifying your paddle to get it to feel right in your hand. Find a paddle that feels good without modification. Gabe Tardio, a top-10 PPA player, doesn't modify his paddle.

Closing Remarks

Next week I’ll cover the eighth and final Beatitude that deals with being persecuted so make sure you’re following the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you liked this podcast share it with a friend and don’t forget to stay out of the kitchen!

Music: "Electrodoodle" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Looking for a new paddle? I use and recommend Vatic Pro paddles. Use code GENXDINKS to get $10 off a new Vatic Pro paddle.