Unlike most sports, golf doesn’t use a running clock with a set number of periods or quarters. Rather, tournaments consist of a defined number of holes depending upon the degree of competition. For the past sixteen years I have spent the two days after Memorial Day watching the Delaware High School State Golf Tournament. My first ten years were spent as a head coach, the last six as a parent and volunteer on the state committee running this event behind the scenes. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen more heartbreak than jubilation. One golfer endured 180 shots over 18 holes while a recent senior missed out on qualifying for states by one stroke two years in a row. In view of this, how do you move on when you come up one shot short?
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light, Colossians 1:11-12.
When I experienced disappointment, failure and setbacks as a teenager, one adult suggested that I go back to the drawing board. The point of this idiom encourages those who fail to go back to the beginning, hoping to figure out what went wrong and why. During my final spring at Concord High, my last golf season got off to a miserable start. After two embarrassing losses, I spent an afternoon playing 36 holes in the rain. Channeling my anger in a positive manner, I refused to repeat the same stupid mistakes for the rest of the season. This day served as a turning point, when God gave me a resolve to do whatever it took to reach my full potential. By the end of the season, I was leading the state tournament after day one and despite fading on the back nine during the final round, a top ten finish resulted in all state honors.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.
Sometimes, individuals are given back stage access, able to interact with celebrities and stars. Such was the case for the earthly brother of Jesus who never believed until the resurrection. The words from the passage above were inspired by the attitude demonstrated by Jesus throughout his life. Jesus didn’t dwell over bad breaks, criticism or results that didn’t meet his own expectations. Rather, Jesus remained steadfast despite coming up just short from time to time. Therefore, when you come up one shot short in life, ask the Holy Spirit for the resolve to press on until dreams, goals or visions are fulfilled.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 