Lessons From a Golf Trip

LESSONS FROM A GOLF TRIP

Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7, The Message) 

I recently enjoyed a Links Players golf outing with six other men. We all needed a break from the routine. One night away from home, two days of golf, and a hundred stories are ingredients for a special time. Throw in a lot of laughter, two inspiring lessons from the Scriptures, and an excellent golf course, and it was more than what the doctor ordered. 

Let me tell you just one story. We were headed home after a long day on the course and we needed some lunch. It was early afternoon when we arrived and the waitress told me that they had quit serving lunch and shut down the grill. I expressed my disappointment and told her there were six of us. She said, "I'll start the grill. Hope you all like pork chops and mashed potatoes." 

What she didn't tell us was that the six fried pork chops were as tough as an old baseball glove and just as big. Our waitress was a good ole Southern belle from East Texas. She said that we all smelled like sunscreen and that she was sorry that she never did play any cow pasture pool (golf). She thought it must be a fun game judging from our demeanor. 

When we finished the questionable meal, she broke the bad news to us. This place was famous for their fried pies, and she said that they had just run out of their inventory of pies. She went on to say that the lady who made these delicious pies was in a car wreck and was killed. I said, "Oh my, I am so sorry." 

When did this happen?" She said, "Five years ago!" 

Well, we laughed all the way home. What fun! 

So, what does this story tell us about life and the way God wants us to enjoy His blessings? What did we learn from our experience? 

- Relationships with friends are molded together at times when we least expect it.
- Humor is an integral part of the life we live here and now.
- We will forget the three-putts of yesterday but will take the stories with us forever.
- I was ready to hear and receive God's Word on this trip and was expecting a wonderful experience. My soil was fertile and received God's precious seed that He planted. The spiritual lessons learned will always be a part of me.
- We all need to do this more. 

Jesus said that He gives us life abundantly. I don't know about you, but I want more of this abundant life now. 

Shouldn't Christ's followers be the most grateful people on this planet and live life to the fullest? Our genuine joy ought to be contagious and attractive to others. After all, He died for us so that we could live the abundant life that comes from basking in His salvation.