Over the ditch on the drive!  Yes! Then hit second into trees.  My ball landed in the roots of a tree. 

“Can I move it?” I asked my experienced teammate.– “Yes, for a two-stroke penalty or play it where it lies.”  I tried and got it out of the predicament and on the green in four strokes.  Wow, but then three putted for a total score of seven.  Oh, well better than a nine.

One week – best score ever!  Next week – worst score ever! My son would say, “That’s golf, mom!”

Have you ever considered how life is like golf?  Let’s compare:

Life: 

Bad Self-talk – I blew it again.  Wish I had kept my mouth shut.  Why can’t I think before I speak? I’ll never get everything done today. 

Good Self-talk – Thank you Lord for this day!  What are you and I going to get into today? Help me to be an encouragement to someone.

Golf: 

Bad Self-talk – I’m just not hitting the ball today.  May as well quit now.  It’s going to be a long day if I don’t get with it.  In the sand again!   

Good Self-talk (or teammates) Great drive, yes, got over the ditch.  I can do this.  Great putt.

For over ten years, I played golf with my husband just for fun. We didn’t keep score. Then, I joined a lady’s golf league. Excitement about playing more often and getting exercise, quickly turned into a challenge.  I never knew there were so many rules and regulations, but also rewards.

After lessons from my son, grandson, and a lady professional, I tried to remember all the necessary tips.  Keep your head down. Tilt your head right with your left eye on the ball. Pause and pull, then swivel and swing. Chip lightly and putt (tick/tock). There are so many more tips to remember. 

One day playing with my grandson, he said, “Nana, just swing – you are over thinking.”  That really helped.  Most important – keep your head down. 

The ladies on the league have been so patient with me, helping me follow the rules and encouraging me.  My game has improved but still not where I’d like it to be. 

“In golf, you are not defined by your failures but by the resilience and grace with which you rise above them.” Garden Grant Smith.

Life Joys

Isn’t that the same with life? 

• We strive for success in education
• Completing that degree
• Securing an excellent job
• Excelling at athletics or just recreation sports. 
• The joy of meeting that right person, marriage and then family.
• The lessons of parenthood strengthen us for the pleasure of being a grandparent.
• Then the excitement of enjoying great-grandchildren. 

Life Challenges

We may fail before we succeed. 

• Failing that test
• Athletic competition
• Losing a job. 
• Losing someone in death – the ultimate grief.

Does my family give me encouragement? – yes.  Do I blow it now and then? – yes.  Is my life game the best? Not always.

Golf Joys

• The pure enjoyment of a cool morning looking forward to a good game. 
• The satisfaction of hitting a strong, straight drive.
• The pleasure of a par
• or the delight of a birdie.

Golf Challenges

• Hit into bunker
• Or woods
• Or lake
• Lost ball in fairway? Go figure
• Missed putt
• Higher handicap – ugh

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.” – Bobby Jones

Like golf, I’ve learned to play the ball where it lies.  I have held many roles: a pastor’s wife, a college office worker, a caregiver, and now, a widow. I continue to struggle with the bad breaks and good breaks.  I have my family, my Lilies group (widows’ group at church), and my golf ladies to encourage me. My Lord Jesus Christ shows me the way to respond in each situation.  He left us the example to follow. He also gives us the strength and stamina to stay the course of life. 

I Peter 2:21   

 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. NIV

Challenge – Don’t’ Be Stupid

Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge. But he who hates correction is stupid!” NIV

The word “stupid” was not allowed in our house when our sons were growing up. At least, they were not to say it to each other. Surprised when reading my Proverb for the day the word stupid in the Bible. 

Can you imagine me taking a golf lesson? Then, I tell the instructor, “No, I slice the ball because I need new clubs.” Nothing to do with my follow through or my stance?? Not wise.

Same in life – what if you were stopped by police? You could tell the officer, “I was not speeding, my cruise control was!” Or this one – “I’ll wait here young man while you catch all those who passed me.”

We don’t like to receive instruction. To improve our golf game, we need to be willing to love instruction. To improve our life game – we need to be willing to love instruction which leads to knowledge.   

Golf Game

• right equipment
• lessons
• practice
• play often!

Life Game

• Get a tutor-academics.
• Classes for job performance
• Keep learning – adult classes.
• Parenting – much needed help
• Grief – I recommend an organization called Grief Share
• Seek wisdom – read the Proverb of the day.

“Golf is a metaphor for the journey of life. Embrace the challenges, learn from the setbacks, and celebrate the victories.” Anonymous

So, don’t be stupid – strive to improve your life game and your golf game.

My golf game improved when I took a lesson and learned a new skill or technique. Love the reaction from my golf instructor when I apply what she is teaching me.

Also the wisdom in Proverbs challenges me, inspires me and gives me courage to face tomorrow.

What are you facing today? A health issue, relationship problem, financial or just aging gracefully??? God’s word has comfort and wisdom for all of us. I recommend reading a proverb a day – 31 chapters and each day read according to day. Today is November 17 – read Proverbs 17.