Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
    they celebrate your righteousness.

Psalm 89:15-16

So I had this serious, thoughtful, contemplative post in mind but then my friend Leo asked if I wanted to play golf and all of a sudden there I was, enjoying the most beautiful cool but sunny April afternoon and discovering another of Tarboro’s hidden gems.

If you asked me to name my favorite golf course I would have two answers. The first would be, “Whatever one I am playing today.” And that would be the honest truth because it’s just good to be out there – especially on a day like Friday. Then the second answer is going to probably be something from within the past year. At the moment my choice would be Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill.

Another Tarboro Plus!

Yesterday it was Cotton Valley, right here in Tarboro. Not manicured; missing a lot of grass on the fairways; could use some serious investment. But a beautiful location and a really interesting layout with surprisingly pronounced undulations. I enjoyed it immensely.

I can’t remember the last time year my first outing came as late as April 5th. It has been a little over four months since I played so I was pleased to have the opportunity.

Mindfulness and peace in the moment:

Regardless of rust, it looks like my swing survived the winter, and I was very pleased to hit the ball as well as I did. If I keep this up it looks like only another 15 years before I shoot my age!

That said, and as much fun as it is to shoot well, the real enjoyment of playing golf for me is the process, not the result. Golf is to a large extent an exercise in mindfulness, of being fully present in the moment, of simply appreciating all that is good and all that is holy exactly where I am.

Golf is to a large extent an exercise in mindfulness, of being fully present in the moment, of simply appreciating all that is good and all that is holy exactly where I am.

In that sense, I am spiritually renewed too, and can be in every moment. Because this life is such a gift and an opportunity – exactly where I am, in this moment; if I understand that and take it in, then I become so filled with gratitude and hope and grace and promise that I cannot help but experience everything in a new way.

On the golf course; here in the kitchen at my computer; walking Max; attending worship; in every detail of my life with Rebekah; interacting with friends; at work and at play….

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3