As a minor golfer, I retain interest in those more accomplished in the sport.  I use the vernacular of the game as metaphorical of life and thereby confuse many as to my actual degree of involvement.  There are points to be made.

I once heard a golfing tip regarding displaced earth on the links.  The practitioner instructed that replacing the divot as soon as possible after the shot increases the chances that the grass will reconnect and thrive.  In other words, the course looks better if minor niceties are observed.

It occurs to me that people do better if there is a quick healing to their hurts, as well.  As good as it may be that the injured latch onto valuable principles to balm their wounds, it is probably better if the one who took the shot replaces the divot.  The sooner a need is addressed; the sooner health can be reclaimed.  Years ago, it seemed to be the common belief that an injury would only require surgery if it didn’t heal on its own.  Today (at least if you watch football), you understand that surgical procedures the day after injury are not too soon for maximum recovery.

I must admit that a source of regret for me at this stage in my life is the many times over the years that I took a pound of flesh (justly or unjustly) and never stopped to administer even simple field medicine.  I let it bleed.

Is it any wonder that the course of life is pock-marked and spotted with dead and dying grass?  More an obstacle course than a luxuriant green expanse.  A place no one would want to spend time let alone a relaxing afternoon.  The house is not hard to clean if you keep it up.

It’s hard to replace the divot if you can’t find the thing.  Sometimes, we let wounds fester because we don’t know how to deal with them or which iron caused the dig.  What does it take to remedy the obvious problem?  I must confess that’s a toughie.

We must at least search for the answer to life’s confounding conundrums.  By the way, it’s hard to look at difficulties as one way streets, at least if the goal is to solve them.  If you’ve ever tried to benefit a snarling dog, you know the animal needs to understand the action.

It is true that issues are, occasionally, better left alone.  If that sounds oppositional to my premise, I’d remind you that there is a significant portion of the Bible devoted to wisdom literature.  There is a time for every purpose.  The Apostle Paul and Jesus Himself did not respond the exact way in each seeming similar situation.  Many factors contribute to deciding the proper response for several events, and human understanding must be coupled with the influence of the Holy Spirit for sure relational navigation. 

Let’s try to minimize damage done in the course of play.  People are remarkably resilient if treated with care and given time to heal and grow.  It’s easier to go on to the next tee and let the groundskeeper worry about the fairway behind, but it’s not good gamesmanship.

I am thankful for those who have seen me hurting and done more than play through.  I read something in the Bible about hurts being overlooked by many and remedied by an unlikely source.

In the game of life, we should do more than swing hard and yell, “Fore!”

Sterl