GOLF: I don’t know when I last played two rounds of golf in four days. But this week I did. Wednesday and Saturday; what fun! It’s all part of my 2015 commitment to invest myself more in the guys here in Wake Forest. We’ve been meeting for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and now golf – it’s all good.

Back in Florida I would have played at least six or seven times by now. But in North Carolina this year golf really wasn’t on before Easter. So today was just number three.

The courses around Wake Forest are beautiful. Rolling hills; trees; hitting around corners; significant changes in elevation. It’s really a whole different game, and it seems to suit me well.

I don’t play often enough to be consistent, but I luck into enough good holes to keep me interested. Today I managed seven pars and one birdie, but sprinkled in enough epic catastrophes to keep my score well into the 80’s. But I’m blessed with a personality that tends to stay positive, even when my ball decides to veer sideways, take a hop into the woods, or disappear into a deep ditch.

FUN FUN FUN: For me, the point is the fun of the process, not the end result. If I’m with great people, playing a game, enjoying the beauty of the North Carolina piedmont, and occasionally hitting a memorable shot, then all is good.

It’s the same way that I enjoy my life, the same way I live faith out loud. It’s about the path, the journey, the people I can encourage, the stories I can listen to, the stories I can share, the relationships that are nurtured, the sheer beauty of living.

Life really is beautiful Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché because it works. Living is an experience we can embrace, and it is even more spectacular when we make the choice to enjoy one another along the way.

I can’t help but think about those sad people who need to be right all the time (especially regarding politics or religion), instead of simply absorbing the beauty of the experience that is this gift of life. They remind me of those folk on the golf course who get so uptight and angry about a bad shot, or an errant bounce, or a putt that won’t drop – so tightly wound that they can’t enjoy the lovely vista, or celebrate with someone who is having a great time.

So some people don’t get things quite right… or their beliefs don’t line up with yours… or they choose a path you wouldn’t follow yourself… or you’re asked to make accommodations that offend you, or that you find inconvenient. Get over it. Live in peace. Enjoy the beauty that is life.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:9-18

Any questions? – DEREK

(enjoy the photos)