Lessons learned around course

Many of you know that during warm weather I like to get out and golf. My score is nothing to brag about. I am just a hacker. I wouldn’t even call myself a golfer.

However, as I have been out on the various courses, I have learned some principles that I think, if consistently practiced, will make a difference not only in our golf game but in our daily living.

Here are some of the principles I am trying to apply not only when I am on the golf course but as I go through life…

You have to play the ball where it lies. There are plenty of times on the golf course when I wish I had it the ball farther, straighter, and not into the woods, the pond or the sand trap. But to play golf correctly you don’t get to play the ball from where you wish it was resting. Instead you have to play it where it lies.

There are some things that I wish were different in my life, my family, and our church. However things are what they are and I have to do my best, by God’s grace, where I find myself. So do you! The key to beginning to see significant change is being willing to start from the situation you find yourself in and work from there to where you need to go.

Keep your eye on the ball. If my dad has told me once he has told me a hundred times; “Keep your head down and your eye on the ball.” The truth of the matter is focus is a vital part of hitting the ball. One can rarely hit what one is not looking at.

Focus is vital in life as well. Amazing things can be accomplished if you and I focus in on two or three areas where we are gifted and can make a difference. It is amazing what a group of people can accomplish when they pool their talent, resources, and energy. As a church it is when we focus on pleasing God and ministering God’s love to others that Kingdom enlarging and enhancing things will happen.

Be persistent. One thing I have learned (being the hacker that I am) is that if I just keep hitting the ball I will hear the satisfying ker-plunk of the ball falling into the cup.

Often I think we miss out on what God and life has for us because we give up far too quickly. There will always be the temptation to give up on the dream, school, the relationship, work, the church, prayer, or even on life. Don’t give up! Be persistent in doing what is right.

Just some helpful lessons I’ve learned around the course!

All for Jesus,
Pastor Tim