On the last day of the tournament, Simon looked at the camera and said, “I’m just so tired.” He talked about being on tour for 15 years. He was tired of playing the same courses over and over. He was just ready for the season to end and get home to his infant son and wife.
A few people commenting on the video criticized Simon. How could someone complain about playing disc golf for a job? I, too, wondered if I wouldn’t have rather been throwing thousands of discs than grading thousands and thousands of papers, planning for thousands of lessons, and writing hundreds of sermons over the last 40 years. I admit it was interesting hearing someone in their 30’s who has worked for 15 years complaining about being tired!
But unlike those who criticized, I appreciated Simon’s honesty. His honesty is one of the reasons he is loved. His joy and gratitude for the life he has is authentic. His weariness in this video was too. I can’t imagine how tiring it would be to have thousands of people wanting to talk with you, get your signature, or take a selfie with you every time you play. It would get tiring sleeping in a different place each week when your new wife and son were at home, and you wanted to be with them. And for all the glory professional athletes receive, the work they put into being the best year after year is a grind. At the end of a season they are tired.
I appreciated Simon’s honesty because I feel that way sometimes too. How about you? Do you ever feel weary? Have you ever felt weary even when things are going well? I’ve got two great jobs, but sometimes even doing work we love gets tiring.
Simon will come back! Interacting with as many fans as he does takes energy. But it is also clear the encouragement and even love people give Simon are a big part of what motivates him to do what he does.
I haven’t had the energy to write a blog the last couple weeks. I’ve made some notes. Even sat down at the computer. But I just felt tired. I decided taking a rest is what I needed. Until the semester is over at Bethel I may miss some more weeks, but like Simon, I’m not done yet!
Some kind words of encouragement motivated me to sit down this morning and type this up. I hope this blog might encourage someone else who might be weary. You may need a rest, but you are not done yet!
Cathy and I just finished a study on the book of Hebrews. Perhaps the most recognized passage in this book of the Bible will encourage you. Maybe even encourage you to encourage someone else.
because the one who made the promises is reliable.
And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other,
especially as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (CEB)