A Golfer's Reflection

By Dr. Anthony Lo,
Pacific Grace Community Church, Vancouver
Published in the North Shore News, June 2000

I am a redeemed golfer. Former bad experiences put me off golf for a long time. Moreover, golfers' jargons baffle me. How come a metal club still called 'wood'? What has 'birdie' and 'eagle' to do with the way one finishes a hole? I concluded that golf was a boring game reserved for the retired.

What attracted me most to the game, however, is not the challenge, or the exercise or the serene environment but the company of like-minded friends who don't seem to mind how well I play.

My prejudice vanished once I tried out the game under proper guidance. It was an eye opening experience. The feelings were fantastic. Driving the ball hard while keeping it on the fairway, staying away from ponds, sand-bunkers are formidable tasks. Every course is different. Every hole is unique. Every shot counts. I realize that if I want to master the game, I have to spend time drilling on different techniques in the driving range. That can be frustrating and boring. Nonetheless, seen from a boarder perspective, these efforts are worth it!

I am still not good at controlling my shots. Golfers' babbles still puzzle me. Not so friendly golfers still see novice like me a nuisance. Yet, none of these impediments hinder me from enjoying the game. On the contrary, they motivate me to research, practice and improve my game. On several occasions, I tee off in the midst of rain and chill.

What attracted me most to the game, however, is not the challenge, or the exercise or the serene environment but the company of like-minded friends who don't seem to mind how well I play. They cheer me up as I stumble and fumble through the game.

I guess what holds true for golf also holds true for my faith. To me, Christianity is not a spectator religion where I can sit back, watch at a distance and discard it as boring, irrelevant and outdated. Rather, I see Christianity as a hands-on experience with God through Jesus Christ who accompanies me through every stage of my life, every up and down I have and every relationship I connected. No matter how many times I blow it, no matter how many difficult questions still puzzle me, no matter how people disappoint me, I can still count on him for I know Jesus would never desert me or laugh at me.

So, why not let Jesus join your life. It's fun! One of the safest ways to start is to attend an Alpha Course near you. Perhaps once you try it out, your life will never be the same!