Artwork by Jean Neely, spiritually exercising
The business of God in His interactions with humans is to develop our character. We are supposed to be becoming like Him. Like I’ve said before, He never forces us, and His business is not necessarily our business. But if we are willing to align our intention with His, He becomes the most patient, gentle, compassionate, and wise teacher that ever was. That is why I always invite Him to the golf course with me.
Why golf? I confess there is nothing special about golf (except to me and most of the people I know who play golf). For one thing, golf is challenging. The presentation of a challenge always brings our character (good or bad) to the surface. We golfers care about how we play. The difference between passion and apathy is like the difference between soft malleable clay and my granddaughters’ Play-Doh that has been left in the sun for weeks. Remember, He is the potter and we are the clay. Golf creates a good medium for Him to work with me. Ah, and what about emotions? I have slammed a club to the ground so hard it broke (long ago). From my back porch, I’ve heard all kinds of cussing on the course. I’ve watched men cheat at golf. If you play, the need for character-building becomes readily apparent.
I enjoy playing golf alone, because I am not alone. But a whole new avenue of soul-improvement opens up when you play golf with others. I play with a senior men’s group. This means we have to deal with competition (it is a game), jealousy (so many better golfers than me!), greed (the bets are small, but money is money), and prejudice (we all like some individuals better than others). Of course, the plusses outweigh the minuses: there is friendship—there is teamwork—there is laughter—there is love (though we men are not very good at expressing it). If you play golf with God, the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) will flourish. It is impossible not to enjoy yourself in that atmosphere.
Do I sound like a religious nut? I said SPIRITUAL exercise. No bible tracts to hand out. I’m not sure if many of the men I play golf with know that I am a Christian. Jesus said, “I am with you always”—not an easy promise to claim. On the golf course, it’s easier for me to sense His presence. The sky, the trees, the water, the greenness, the geese, the ducks, the babies. The acceptance of a bad shot. The exquisiteness of a well-struck ball (you sense His perfection then). The fellowship of people enjoying themselves. My spirit revives. My advice to my fellow golfers: invite Him along. (No one will know that you are a fivesome.)
I told my artist friend Jean Neely that golf is a spiritual exercise, and she asked me to explain. This is the explanation. But I know full well that her doing art is a spiritual exercise. Karen working in her garden is a spiritual exercise. Exercising your spirit is simply seeking His presence. Anything that opens up the pathway of communication between you and Him is a blessing. The best news of all is His promise: I am with you always. Get out there (however) and exercise your spirit!
Dear God, play with me! I love that