Lessons from the Golf Cart

My favorite thing about golf is driving the golf cart.  That's what I did with my dad when I was little and that's what I do with my husband.  I clearly remember the golf courses I drove on while we were on our honeymoon.  We still have a couple "golf dates" every year.  Brent focuses on his shots.  I focus on nature.  

Last week we were nearly alone at a beautiful course in Farmington.  The sun was setting.  The scene was thick with beauty.  My inner dialogue was conversing with our Creator.  I settled on thoughts about about time and moments as the earth turned away from the light.  I imagined things going on at that moment in our world.  Joyous moments of babies being born, marriage proposals, and teenagers trusting their Savior for the first time.  Quiet moments of moms and daughters hugging, a grandpa telling stories, and men praying.  Sad moments like a beautiful teenage girl from a small town taking her last breath, hundreds of people's lives reeling from tragic loss, and illness reeking havoc on a strong body.  Time. Moments. Life.

I followed Brent to the next hole.  The cart path was tucked on the bottom of a hill in the shadow of the trees.  The next hole was the same.  The petty side of me complained inside that I was missing the climax of the sunset.  The shadows seemed to take so long.  I kept thinking about how I was missing the best part.  Time and beauty were going by.  Then I heard a whisper in my thoughts.  "Be patient.  I have something better to show you."  I argued the thought and decided it was a cliche.  I settled that I missed the best part and was glad Brent was having fun.  

As we crept out of the valley above the trees we were taken back by the fire-like clouds and vivid colors.  We drove in very slowly staring at the incredible display.  By very slowly I mean that I barely moved the cart and kept stopping to stare.  

I laughed when I realized that God was showing off.  He indeed did show me something better.  He was the One speaking in my heart reminding me of a truth.

When we are in the shadows and feeling like we have missed it or lost it, we must be patient and watchful.  When our time is filled with something difficult or dark He is always creating something beautiful.  The valley of shadows will end and beauty will be revealed.  If you are headlong in a shadow, know that just above the trees He is creating something beautiful and... 

We will basque in the Beauty and experience His Glory if we actively wait and watch.