Alumni Match (What I Wished I Had Said)

So after I was asked over Christmas about the alumni match that I had attended in October, I got to thinking about it and hence this post eventually came from those thoughts...

So I played competitive volleyball.  For some of you who know me well and know that I am not a very tall woman by any stretch of the imagination, this revelation may be a surprise to you, but I most certainly did play.  I started playing volleyball when I was about 12-years-old at a recreation center then I quickly advanced and excelled in the skills and knowledge of the game that I eventually played at the Junior National level for several years eventually making it to the collegiate level.  Due to my height and scrappiness (speed) I was mainly a defensive specialist with a few brief moments as a setter.  I enjoyed the sport--still do.  I absolutely enjoyed playing at the collegiate level and with school spirit backing me and my team especially since I was homeschooled majority of my life and Junior Nationals didn't quite supply school spirit for me.

Anyways... digressing here a little!  My team and most noticeably my coach, taught me so much about me, and life, both on and off the court.  I gained so much from the experience and I have so much respect for my coach who was a great mentor to me and my teammates. 

Every few years I enjoy going back to see my team play, though I have to admit the skill level that now exists on our present team out does those of previous years and makes me feel a little bit older than I'd like and out dated a bit, but I still really enjoy going to see them when I can.  This year drew my attention even more when I heard that my old coach, who now resides clear across the country, was going to be at this match.  I jumped at the opportunity to see him again and to give him a hug!

When I saw Coach I was excited!  Right away we started chatting and talking and reminiscing on the times and games from the past.  Pretty quick into our conversations though, Coach said to me, "You have changed."

"I have?"  For some reason I was surprised by his comment.

"Yes," he said as he nodded his head.

"Good or bad?" I asked.

"For the good," he replied and if I could describe the look on his face when he said it and how it actually made me feel at that very moment when I quickly reflected on the years past and all that occurred with in those years, I would if I only could.

Later on, as we sat and watched the youngest members of our college team play, Coach remarked again about how I had changed and I responded with, "Well, life made me change.  I had to change."

It is now when I reflect upon those words that I realize how I wished I said it a little bit differently.  Although I had several circumstances and situations in my life with in the last few years that broke me and molded me and changed me to what I am today, it was only done because God allowed it.  He used those circumstances to get through to me.  It was through those ordained circumstances that I learned to yield. 

I wished I was bold that day and phrased it differently.  "GOD CHANGED ME."