Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

If you are one of those folk who are “over” reading posts related to playing golf, do not be dismayed. First, I really don’t get out and play as much as you would think. Then, these posts are not really about golf!

Take Saturday, for example. I went over to Benvenue in Rocky Mount with my friend Chauncey and his son. It is a beautiful parcel of land, well maintained with pristine greens and a classic Donald Ross layout guaranteed to turn even the smallest miscalculation or mishit into a costly double-bogey or more.

What’s funny is that I don’t think I have ever hit the ball this well with my driver, long and straight and consistent. But then my second shot was almost always disappointing. Essentially, I struck the ball well but scored beyond poorly.

Last Monday, however, when I played in the non-stop pouring rain (Soaking wet and having a great time) I was equally inconsistent but much more successful.

So what is the difference? The difference is that on Saturday every errant shot accumulated on my own scorecard, whereas Monday we scored as a team.

In other words, when I have no-one to share the burden of my mistakes the result is predictably ho-hum; but when we navigate the challenges together we all look better than good.

As people we were – we are – designed specifically by God for the purpose of living in community. God’s plan is that when I fail – as we all do and we all will – the person standing next to me will reach in and help to make it right.

In community, my individual performance is less important than my commitment to love and care for those around me. When we live in the context of mutually supportive community, then “my best” is also “our best” and everyone benefits.

What’s interesting is that, when we rely on one another, we also tend to do better as individuals.

What’s interesting is that, when we rely on one another, we also tend to do better as individuals.

Today is Sunday morning. Sunday is the day the community is called to worship. Not in isolation but in concert. If you have lost your sense of connection to community then this is your opportunity to get the ball rolling.

We need each other. When we do life together it’s like we all rise to the highest level. In golf they call this a Scramble; in life it’s called being active in your faith community. Regardless, scrambling is God’s plan… and I believe it’s a good one.

Time to get on board – DEREK