Take Time To Smell The Fairways

I went to a different golf course this afternoon since my usual greens that I play at  were silent today.  I have been at this course before, but not very often.  Prices are high even out of season.  A special thank you to whom ever invented the credit card. Of course, like anything else, you have to respect it, not abuse it, and not without common sense,  I am married to a number cruncher and....well, enough said.



I decided to rent a cart and do the front nine holes.  It is much harder to play by yourself in many ways.  First of all, we are in the temperature zone of about the 40's.  In the fall, that's winter coat material. In the winter, it is a heat wave.  If you make a couple incredible strokes, no one is watching you.  When you keep your only score, the temptation is to be more forgiving of your need of mulligans, count the number of strokes and convince yourself of a lower number.  If you golf, you cannot tell me you haven't been there.



I am on the 7th tee and down the middle of the fairway lands my ball.  I know that there are some golfers down over the hill so I got out of the cart and walked over to the top overlooking not just where  I need to place the ball, but i was impressed with the scenery and view. I left my camera  at home.  But if I had had it with me,  I could have made a panoramic view of Binghamton and Johnson City.  Without the foliage, I could see through the trees pretty well.  Dwellings on the side of the hills with some majestic houses, the river that wrecked  havoc and changed thousands of peoples' lives this year.  I saw this moment as a time of reflection and encouragement.  Golf is just a game. Nothing more and nothing less.  But when I am by myself and no one in front of me or in back waiting impatiently, I like to look at all that God has created. Take the time to smell the fairways, greens, and the scenic view around you.  Acknowledge His handiwork. You just might find a rose to smell.



"In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."  (Proversb 3:6)



Always remember to play fair. God is watching your character even when you are alone,  and keep on course with God.