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                                          Walking Securely

Good day dear reader. And welcome to my world for another week & for our ANZAC weekend. My inspiration this week comes from Jordan Spieth a couple of weeks back he was seven holes from winning the Masters for the second consecutive time when disaster struck. He found himself at the twelfth hole, often called the most beautiful par-three in golf. It was anything but for Jordan, who hit two balls into the water. In the span of five minutes, his lead evaporated. Danny Willett, a new father & the son of a Church of England vicar, went on to win.

For the rest of the week, the sporting world was focused on what many were calling Jordan's "collapse." However, there are often in such circumstances a different view.

In one article I read about the game, the writer followed Jordan Spieth from the time he began his round. Several times he was ten or so feet from him.

This is what he observed: “he is an amazingly talented golfer & an even better person”.

The way in which Jordan interacted with his fellow competitors, his caddie, the tournament officials, & especially the fans (called "patrons" at the Masters) was a marvel to see. He was unfailingly gracious. He never lost his composure or his dignity. I saw the same demeanour on television the day after the calamitous twelfth hole.

After his crushing loss, Jordan gave credit to the patrons who encouraged him and to his team for their support. He congratulated Willett & thanked "everyone who makes this great tournament possible." He was a model of character& decorum. And he is only twenty-two years old.

What is the secret to such maturity?

When asked this question, Jordan points immediately to his sister. Ellie was born prematurely with a still-undiagnosed neurological disorder which left her developmentally challenged. Jordan calls her "the best thing to ever happen in our family." As a high school senior, he volunteered at her special needs school each week. He says, "With Ellie & how we grew up with her, her struggles & her triumphs, I think it just put life a little more in perspective." (For more, Jordan Spieth and the Family that Cheered Him On.)

After reflecting on this day for Jordan Spieth, I was reminded of three facts:

One: The way we respond to adversity shows the person we truly were all along. I especially like the following quote: "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small".    (Proverbs 24:10).

Two: The way we treat people is more important than the way they treat us. The Golden Rule is still a rule: "Whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them". My dear mother was a great fan of this saying.

Three: Character endures long after achievement is forgotten. Francois Fenelon was right: "The more you say, the less people remember”.

Dwight Moody noted, "If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me." Again, I agree: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely" (Proverbs 10:9).

Are you walking securely today my friends?
Thank you as always for taking the time to be with me once again. Until next weekend, this is Kenn Butler in Paradise, Nelson, with my best wishes & too you all a splendid long weekend & short week for those with the next three days off.

 
 
www.kennbutler.com
 
 

Inspiration from a daily essay on today's news in spiritual perspective from Dr. Jim Denison  ~  April 11th 2016


 

Kenn Butler
Director
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