Hearing God's Voice ..... on the golf course!

I'm sitting here on the golf course with Jon watching Catherine practice for her round at the TAPPS State golf competition. It's pretty surreal to actually be here. I remember when she started golf at 7 and 8 years old at the WJGA. She was so little. Of course a cute pink golf shirt and a white bow for her hair was a must. I would laugh and tell her - no matter how you play.. you look Great!

She would spend 2 hours getting through her 2 hole round and we would cheer her on like it was the PGA. We went through all the stages of moving up to 3 hole and then 6 and 9 and finally 18.

We couldn't help but love all the beautiful trees on the course and of course no that they would be great climbing trees!

When we look back at pictures we will see a smiling cute little golfer.. but her journey in learning to play was not all fun. She was painfully shy and getting paired up on the course to walk alongside an unknown partner brought on much anxiety. She learned to loosen up and make some small talk between holes eventually.. but it wasn't easy. More than anything, she hated playing poorly and when her shots would go sailing into the water or skipping off to the right deep into the trees - we would see the bouncy smile disappear and sad little tears come streaming down her sunburned freckled face. As she fought back the tears carrying her bag from hole to hole, we often had to helplessly watch from the cart without a word. The lineup of carts at each hole with on-looking parents was often all that she could handle as she pushed ahead from one bad shot to the next. We wanted to tell her that it would all be fine. We wanted to say- time out-- we need to talk to her for a minute.. but golf doesn't really allow for that.. .it's structured and requires etiquette and manners and composure. It doesn't allow a breakdown in the middle of the fairway. It doesn't allow you to pick up your clubs and take a break. Golfers are in front of you and behind you and regardless of how you hit.. you must move forward. And Thank God for that.

God has literally used golf in Catherine's life to show her so many things He wanted her to know. He wanted her to know that it is a blessing to be healthy and have the opportunity to be on a beautiful green golf course. He wanted her to know that just as He love her, having her dad cherishing every minute with her is a gift she will treasure all her days. He wanted her to know that the game of golf mirrors life -- it is challenging and it always will be. It is in the challenging moments that you dig deep and persevere. You quiet yourself and focus. You remind yourself that one hole does not determine your score or your ability.

Jon (Coach) excited to be heading out for the practice round.

Unlike the other sports Catherine has played, golf has uniquely challenged her against herself. The past 2 days, I have watched my now big grown up girl take notes on yardage and Par and where to place her drives. I watched her confidently join a new group for the practice and competition rounds and effortlessly join in. I've watched her have some great holes and some challenging holes and still get in the cart with a smile. At the end of the round - she said, I played well. I'm proud of myself. Ah! Thank you Lord! You did it! you used hours and hours on a golf course to help her see what You see. Not sure what the future of golf looks like - but absolutely sure we will remember all of the time on the course and know that it made all the difference.