Wednesday afternoon my friend Keith sent me this image. He “lifted” it, he said, from the Frankie Lemon School gallery.

The photograph was taken the day we played in the fundraiser tournament (Eyes to See) a little over a week ago. A lot can change in a week! Two days later I was laying in a heap on the side of the road after my wreck (1st bike wreck), then it was off to Michigan for a few days to see Mr. T. shine on the soccer field. Now today I am on the road to Florida.

But the photo! I was not introduced to whoever was on hand with the camera (after a little research I believe it was Raleigh photographer Sarah Gillie). But she did a great job because she did not just take a photograph she actually captured me.

We were on the 10th tee, looking at a difficult drive over a native area into a narrow landing zone. Keith had just hit a really great shot so I was relaxed. Plus there was not only the photographer but several other young women gathered on the tee watching, all representing the Frankie Lemon Foundation.

What better moment for my first really good drive of the day?

What I did not know was that the photographer had captured my reaction after the shot. Pure joy – and laughter at the absurdity of me hitting that good a drive.

This is exactly what I hope my public witness to life looks like. I want my story to be joyful, humble, grateful and engaged with the wonder of every moment.

This is exactly what I hope my public witness to life looks like. I want my story to be joyful, humble, grateful and engaged with the wonder of every moment.

The fact that the photographer helped me to tell that particular story gives me hope that my message is – maybe – getting across.

Here is how Jesus invites us into his way: “I came so [you] can have real and eternal life, more and better life than [you] ever dreamed of” (John 10:10).

Yes, life is challenging. Inevitably, almost every day offers unanticipated obstacles. Sadly, people we love are struggling and sometimes feeling close to defeat. Absolutely, I am going to fall off my bike and break like Humpty Dumpty…

All that is true and more. But each new morning is also an unprecedented opportunity to drink in the goodness and the beauty of this amazing gift that we call today.

We do not have to engage the ups and downs alone, we have the promise and the presence of God. And we can commit to making the very best of every moment because of our absolute confidence in the grace of providence.

So I pray that you always catch me joyful. It is, as they say, my portion – DEREK

(images, below, by Sarah Gillie)