The road on which I drive to church passes through a golf course. Last Sunday morning, an errant tee shot veered towards that road as I was driving to the aforementioned church. Thankfully and for no particular reason, I was watching the golfer at the time he struck the ball. Instead of heading down the fairway as I think was intended, the ball came almost directly at me. I was able to make a minor correction and keep my car from getting hit. My next response, in direct contrast to my wife’s, was to chortle more than a little. I tooted the horn a few times and gave a “laughing with you, not at you” wave to the golfer. He waved back, and presumably reached into his bag for another ball.
Golf can be a funny game. Notice I purposely did not say “fun”, at least if you take your game seriously. I don’t, so I can be amused by shots that would cause non-duffers to snap their graphite shaft driver on the nearest tree or unsuspecting stranger that joined his threesome. Because my love for the esoteric knows no bounds, I diligently researched (i.e. 30 second Googled) how much a good driver costs. The Callaway MAVRIK Sub Zero starts at $499. You could hire a guy to drive you around town for a week or so for far less. Why would I spend that kind of money on a device that would empower me to hit a ball further into the woods or down the road by my church? Side note- At least when I golf, I get my money’s worth, stroke per dollar, and see areas of nature unbesmirched by humankind. Side side note, if that is a thing- You can purchase a golf club shaft called the “Matrix Ozik 75M4 Black Tie”. And if you are wondering, I didn’t have the heart to price it.
At least in that instance, on my way to church, I was able to avoid potential harm by being aware of my surroundings and anticipating trouble. We would be well served by letting this inform our spiritual lives, allegorically speaking. Life is fraught with hazards, even enemies; it behooves us to recognize and avoid them.
(Click “Stand On Firmer Ground” for a deeper look into Fore!)
Stand On Firmer Ground