Life Lessons from Golf School by K. Denise Holmberg
For Christmas, my husband and I gifted each other a trip to Tour Striker Golf School in Phoenix,
Arizona. I hit more golf balls in a single day than I had my entire life. The school lasted three days and my body still ached a week later.
But it was a good ache.
The process was tough. But the more I think about it … it was brilliant.
Day One:
Analyze everything.
They carefully studied all parts of our game.
They watched us swing, pitch and putt. Took video for us to see. Even hooked us up to futuristic machinery and turned us into onscreen avatars. All to examine every movement.
They broke it down. What was working and what wasn’t. What could be redeemed and what just needed to go.
Day Two:
They began to build back up again.
For me, it was with five words you don’t want to hear at golf school: “Let’s begin with your grip.”
It’s the most basic place to start in golf. But the grip has to be right … or everything else is wrong.
They poked and prodded, drilled and encouraged, and I got 20 extra yards from my seven-iron that day.
Day Three:
We applied what we learned and made a plan for the future.
Drills to work on and the tools needed to achieve our goals.
We immersed ourselves in three days of learning and understanding. We allowed analysis, coaching, and guided play.
They left us with these words:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Don’t go with everybody, just those select friends, family and coaches that push you to go the distance.”
Apply to Everyday Life
Now imagine taking those three principles and applying them to your life.
1. Analyze everything. Break down what is working in your life and what is not. What do you need to improve? What can be redeemed? What should just go?
2. Build back up again.
Get a grip. A good one.
It was discouraging to start my golf game at the beginning again. But recently, I outdrove a friend, who has the longest drive of anyone I know … three times! I never came close with my old swing (don't ask what happened on the other fifteen holes!).
3. Apply what you’ve learned and make a plan for the future.
Do this by setting goals, both short and long term. Have them in place. Then surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
The tools for improvement are all around us … in books, people, and school.
Apply to Your Spiritual Life
In light of these basic and general truths, how would we apply them to our spiritual life?
1. Analyze where you are in your walk. Seek our Heavenly Father's help. Let him examine and analyze your heart.
What is working in your relationship with God? What draws you closer? What separates you?
2. Think of Jesus as coach, teacher, and trainer. And build yourself back up with the Word of God.
“Turn your knowledge about God into knowledge of God.”
J.I. Packer
3. Once we belong to God, the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our helper, comforter, guide, and counselor. A counselor is one who is called alongside to encourage and influence.
The Holy Spirit helps us to apply the things we know about the works, the ways, and the promises of God.
"The purpose is to clear one’s mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let his truth make its full and proper impact on one’s mind and heart."
J.I. Packer
How do you think this thoughtful process would benefit you in your life?
Blessings!
KDH
Knowledge puffs up, and if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
(1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV revised.)
But it was a good ache.
The process was tough. But the more I think about it … it was brilliant.
Day One:
Analyze everything.
They carefully studied all parts of our game.
They watched us swing, pitch and putt. Took video for us to see. Even hooked us up to futuristic machinery and turned us into onscreen avatars. All to examine every movement.
They broke it down. What was working and what wasn’t. What could be redeemed and what just needed to go.
Day Two:
They began to build back up again.
For me, it was with five words you don’t want to hear at golf school: “Let’s begin with your grip.”
It’s the most basic place to start in golf. But the grip has to be right … or everything else is wrong.
They poked and prodded, drilled and encouraged, and I got 20 extra yards from my seven-iron that day.
Day Three:
Drills to work on and the tools needed to achieve our goals.
We immersed ourselves in three days of learning and understanding. We allowed analysis, coaching, and guided play.
They left us with these words:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Don’t go with everybody, just those select friends, family and coaches that push you to go the distance.”
Apply to Everyday Life
Now imagine taking those three principles and applying them to your life.
1. Analyze everything. Break down what is working in your life and what is not. What do you need to improve? What can be redeemed? What should just go?
2. Build back up again.
Get a grip. A good one.
It was discouraging to start my golf game at the beginning again. But recently, I outdrove a friend, who has the longest drive of anyone I know … three times! I never came close with my old swing (don't ask what happened on the other fifteen holes!).
3. Apply what you’ve learned and make a plan for the future.
Do this by setting goals, both short and long term. Have them in place. Then surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
The tools for improvement are all around us … in books, people, and school.
Apply to Your Spiritual Life
In light of these basic and general truths, how would we apply them to our spiritual life?
1. Analyze where you are in your walk. Seek our Heavenly Father's help. Let him examine and analyze your heart.
What is working in your relationship with God? What draws you closer? What separates you?
2. Think of Jesus as coach, teacher, and trainer. And build yourself back up with the Word of God.
“Turn your knowledge about God into knowledge of God.”
J.I. Packer
3. Once we belong to God, the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our helper, comforter, guide, and counselor. A counselor is one who is called alongside to encourage and influence.
The Holy Spirit helps us to apply the things we know about the works, the ways, and the promises of God.
"The purpose is to clear one’s mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let his truth make its full and proper impact on one’s mind and heart."
J.I. Packer
How do you think this thoughtful process would benefit you in your life?
Blessings!
KDH
Knowledge puffs up, and if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
(1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV revised.)
Denise, this is wonderful. Very insightful and powerful message.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I appreciate the support!
ReplyDelete