Life lessons from putt-putt

We had a great time away for vacation last week, and Wade discovered a love of putt-putt golf! We played four games in one day at Lakemont Park, and then twice more at different places before the week was over for a total of 108 holes!

Here are a few "life lessons" we gleaned from our time spent on the greens: 

1. Boundaries are important. I imagine the score would have ended up much differently if there were no borders around each section of putting green. These boundaries defined the playing area, but also kept everything close together - a wild putt bounced around a bit instead of ending up ten feet away. Similarly, in life we know that boundaries keep us safe and are necessary for healthy relationships with one another. 

2. There's always grace. We had a very generous understanding of a "mulligan" for ourselves - if the ball rolled all the way back to the beginning after the first stroke, we just started over. Landed in the water? No worries, try again. Oftentimes in life we are hardest on ourselves - remember that we worship a God of second (and third, fourth, etc...) chances, who is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love" (Psalm 145:8).

3. It's okay to quit. The places where we played all had a "6 stroke limit" at each hole as a way to keep the game moving. There were times I'd grow increasingly frustrated as my ball crisscrossed the hole, and it was a relief to be able to say "well, that's not working", pick up the ball, and move on to the next hole. While there are times in life when persistence is a valuable practice, there are also times when it is a gift to be able to discern when it's time to stop, move on, or make a change.

4. We all have different gifts that work together. It took a while, but eventually we convinced Wade that bending down to grab the balls out of the hole and return them to each person was a great job for a limber almost-five year old. And while Wade couldn't keep score for us, I had no problem juggling the scorecard, pencil, and my ball and club as we moved through the course. As we read in 1 Corinthians 12, we are members of the body of Christ, and all the different parts work together in order to make the body function. Each of us has unique and important gifts to share - we need each other!

5. Cheer for one another. While it's fun to play, it's almost more fun to shout and celebrate after watching with bated breath as another player's ball takes a lucky bounce, navigates a tricky hazard, or drops in for a surprise hole-in-one. Don't let competition get in the way of choosing to "encourage one another and build up each other" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In the midst of so many voices shouting criticism and disparaging one another, the world could use more encouragement!

With hope,
Pastor Kerri 

• Thank you for continuing to wear a mask over your mouth and nose while inside the building on Sundays, regardless of vaccination status. Our decision to continue wearing masks is a way of showing care and hospitality to everyone who wishes to come to worship, including children and others unable to be vaccinated.
• Be mindful of distancing when selecting your seat and communing at the altar rail. 
• Windows in the sanctuary will remain open for ventilation and air exchange.
• We are delighted to be singing together as a congregation once again.

Back-to-School Clothing Giveaway

• Tuesday, August 10, 6pm - set out shoes
• Thursday, August 12, 5pm - set out clothing
• Saturday, August 14, 8:30am - help with check-in; distribute clothing, shoes, and backpacks to families; clean-up crew. 

Thank you!

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