Several years back I attended the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club. The day was a treat as I was surrounded by great company. We had VIP passes ☺ that provided access to cool sponsor tents and allowed us to take a picture with the winner’s trophy. However, the best part about any VIP pass is the food…we lacked for nothing when it came to our stomachs. It’s a good thing we did some serious walking.
On the 10th hole as were following a group with Bubba Watson, we end up about ten feet from his ball. We decided to stop and wait for him to hit. It turns out his ball was on a sprinkler head and he had to wait a while for a rule’s official.
While all this was taking place, I thought I would snap a quick photo. Of course, thinking my camera phone wouldn’t make any noise. Boy was I wrong…both Bubba and his caddie jumped all over me. As a golfer I know never to take a picture or make noise while someone is about to hit a shot.
I was admittedly in the wrong, but I tell you this story because it got me to thinking who our protector should be. You see after Bubba hit his shot and walked away the whole crowd around us was left with a bad taste in our mouth because of the way Bubba yelled at me, or at least in my general direction.
Bubba Watson is a star on the PGA tour and I’m sure he was just frustrated with everyone taking pictures when it wasn’t allowed. However, as the golfer and the star it is not his job or place to be yelling at fans. It is his caddie’s job. Although his caddie also chirped at us, by Bubba speaking up he might have lost some fans that day. At least a couple around us for sure as they walked away talking under their breath.
How is it for us when we constantly want to prove ourselves or show someone else we’re right. The Bible talks over and over about forgiveness (yes, I forgive you Bubba and I’m sorry) and turning the other cheek. God is our protector, our redeemer and the one who covers us. We do not need to show the world how great we are or make excuses. We have the ultimate covering from God and His grace.
I learned a little something from golf that week that had nothing to do with my swing… which is beyond repair. I need to not worry so much about what’s going on around me. I need to stay focused on God and what He has for me. God has the rest taken care of…I just need to hit the next shot that God wants me to make.
