INSPIRASUNS

I’m wrapping up what has been a wonderful few days with the seniors golf group I work with. At dinner last night it was fun to watch as people continued to be curious and learn more about each other. They learned about careers, families, and hobbies, (other than golf of course), and found connections to each other they didn’t realize. Yes, it’s been a great few days.

Yesterday I filled in once again on the golf course. It wasn’t my plan when I headed to the club. I was simply going to be the photographer for the day and then planned to do some work in the afternoon. I had golfed so poorly the day before, I welcomed the day off to just take pictures 🙂 . Well, Father had other plans I guess. When I got to the club, the chairman of golf for the group came to me to share that we had a couple of women and men players who we bowing out for the day. A back issue here, a shoulder issue there, you get the idea. “So, I really need for you to golf if you can”. Of course, I agreed, but was wondering to myself if my game would have any hope of being better than the day before.

I grabbed some breakfast, chatted with a few folks, and then headed off to the driving range to hit some practice balls. Along the way, I found our 88-year-old gentleman, (who I mentioned in this little blog a few days ago). We jumped in a cart together, and off to the range together. Along the way, John shared more of the history of the club here at Golden Ocala, (he and his wife lived here many years). At the range, I hit some balls, and surprisingly I felt a little better about my swing. Back to the group we went and I was feeling a little less anxious.

I was in a three-some and found myself in a cart by myself. Again, I think Father had this planned. After a few announcements by the pro, we started the round and I placed my phone in the cart. I said a little prayer, asking Father to help me with a better day on the course, and admitted to Him how insignificant this prayer was. There are much bigger things in this world to be praying for. Over the next several hours my swing improved, my shots went straight, (my putting still stinks), and my score improved immensely. With each shot, I thanked Father for the support.

I found myself having more conversations with him as I drove alone. I noticed things, the beauty of the landscape here in horse country. The birds that were singing. The black-faced squirrels played in pairs along the course. And with each hole, I felt more and more relaxed. We pulled into the clubhouse after nine holes to make a bathroom stop and I realized I had not looked at my phone once. I grabbed it to make sure I hadn’t missed a call from the office, and upon realizing I hadn’t, well back into the cart it went. It stayed there until the round was finished.

Friends, every day is a new day, a day to begin again. I think Father knew yesterday that I needed a few things. First I think He knew that I needed to step away from work for the day. I truly needed a break from looking at my digital device and I needed to clear my head. Next, He knew I needed to spend some quality time with Him. As silly as it sounds, I found that driving in that golf cart alone from hole to hole. And…as silly as it sounds, I think He knew I needed to feel a little better about myself and my contribution to the team I played with yesterday. Well, He does know best and He was with me as He always is.

Treat each new day as a fresh start. Spend time with Father whenever you can. Look for the beauty around you and the opportunities to laugh. And…give thanks for the gifts that we all share together. Have a great day friends 🙂 .

Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.