Golf is a maddening game. I know, as I used to watch my dad getting mad when things didn't go right. Golf clubs would be thrown and the air was blue with expletives!
I have had my moments of frustration too, when the ball disappears into the woods.
But yesterday, in the wild weather of Kent, Darren Clarke won the Open Championship, at the grand old age of 42. Throughout the 4 days, he stayed relaxed, and was able to play much better because of it. Confident in his own ability, he refused to tense up and get stressed. That improved his performance. The result was there for all golf fans to see.
Most of us get stressed about things, at times, and I guess we all know that it doesn't usually improve matters. Is there a way to learn to stay relaxed?
Jesus seemed to know human experience well, and he saw a way to help us. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”' (Matthew 11.28-30)
Doing life with Jesus alongside us - that is the image of sharing his yoke - is the way we were designed to live. If we are determined to do life on our own, struggling in our own obstinate strength, we should expect to be stressed and tense. But if we learn from Him, and humble ourselves, and accept His leadership and direction, then we can relax ourselves into His safe care.
Whatever today's pressures, we can discover this secret of handing it ALL over to Jesus. That would be great for us and those around us.
Let us stay relaxed today.
Best wishes,
Richard
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