Bible Study

May 2003

Hole in One!
By Mary Alice Hughes with Felicity Slemp

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Eph. 5:15-17

Raising money for student missions has never been as fun as it was last month when I "had" to play golf for the cause. It's a rough job, but someone had to do it and I grudgingly (ahem) volunteered my services for the good all student missionaries. My tournament partner, Mary Alice Hughes, won the longest drive contest for the tournament (she even beat the guys!), but I managed to hit a really good shot on one hole. Because of that one shot, I discovered a deep theological bent in Mary Alice. Here are her thoughts about the tournament and the relationship between golf and God.

"Our second highlight was my partner's hole-in-one! Yes, Felicity hit a hole in one on a beautiful par three. Unfortunately, she didn't see the ball drop in the hole. The ball hit the green, started rolling, and, being happy to see the ball on the green, Felicity bent down to pick up her tee....and missed the ball dropping into the cup! To prove that it really happened, Felicity walked up to the hole empty-handed and after looking in the cup, came up with a golf ball! I stood in awe, having never experienced playing with someone who hit a hole-in-one.

"I wonder how many times we miss great things that God wants to do in us and for us because we settle for "hitting the green" instead of pressing on and expecting great things from God? For instance, as a student, how many times did I settle for a "B" instead of pushing just a little harder for that "A"? How many times have I just existed to get to tomorrow or through that next test instead of being aware of what God is doing around me so I can know Him more?
Or in work, how many times have I settled for "just making it" instead of working harder to do my absolute best for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31)?

" There was much celebration on that par 3 Sunday. Theresa from our foursome called and told everyone except President Bush, I think! But it's a shame that Felicity didn't get to see the completion of the great shot she hit. Let's learn from her hole in one and commit to keeping our eyes open for what God is doing all around us so we can celebrate a victory we have seen and fully experienced. In other words, don't just settle for "hitting the green," keep your head up and press on! Expect the best from God and don't be surprised when you get it!"