I grew up with a father and a mother who love to golf. As their daughter i've grown to enjoy it too. Usually only when i'm playing good though. But for any of you who golf you know that it can be very frustrating at times. And other times very rewarding. My favorite holes are the par 4's, and as you tee off the flag is a straight shot in front of you, not to the side, or around a corner, but directly in front. Oh and not to mention there isn't any sand traps or water just ready to eat your ball up. But for those of you who golf know that doesn't happen very often. Back home at the golf course I usually golf at, there is a par 3 that I don't get along with too much. I know a par 3... your probably thinking those are the fun ones. Well right in front of the green is a pond, I can't even tell you how many times i've lost my ball in that pond. I remember so many times pulling up to the tee off, getting my ball and my club, usually an 8 iron. Walking up to the tee with full confidence that I'm going to smack that ball over that pond and if not in the hole right next to it. Before stepping up to the ball, I do a few practice swings, and then its the time, i'm thinking, "i'm gonna get it this time." As I swing the club back keeping my eye on my ball, keeping my knees bent my shoulds square, and then smack! The ball goes flying, and then SPLASH! The worst sound ever, right into the pond. "Ughhh!! Are you kidding me??" One time there was even these little kids sitting off to the side of the road selling golf balls, and they were laughing so hard when that ball dropped in the water, in fact that time I think I did it twice. I would have been laughing too if it wasn't my own.
Our life is sometimes a lot like that par 3. We have a goal, we have the vision in our mind of 'what's going to happen', but then all these road blocks start coming up. Time after time, if it's not the pond, then it's the wind, if it's not the wind then its the sand trap, if it's not the sand trap then it's the trees. Why??
In the Book of Mormon Nephi teaches that there has to be "opposition in all things."
When I first started golfing, and even now, I rely on my mom or dad to tell me what club I should use, and especially when I am going to take a difficult shot. For example when I am hitting out of a sand trap. Those are really hard for me. And sometimes I forget the motion of how to swing, or what club to use. So I have to rely on my dad or mom to show me and to give me advice on what to do.
Like in our own lives, when things are easy the road seems nice and smooth, we think we got it. And then a road block, and we realize that we need help, we need guidance from someone who knows better, who has been through it before. It's during those times that we come to know who are Heavenly Father is, and how we can come to know him through his Son, Jesus Christ. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." -John 17:3
Just like golf, life has it's easier moments and it's harder moments. "...for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." -Alma 36:3
Life is like a game of golf, but we have the greatest caddy ever. Jesus Christ. A caddy is is the person who carries a player's bag and clubs, and gives insightful advice and moral support. A good caddy is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, along with the best strategy in playing it. This includes knowing overall yardage, pin placements and club selection. Christ is there for us when we need help calling the shots. He can see the whole course, he can see the sand traps, the trees, the bends in the course, the ponds, he can see it all. He can give us the insights we need to make the best decisions. He has already played the course. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of hi peaple. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverane; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." -Alma 7:11-13
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
Life was not intended to be easy, but it was intended to be filled with joy and happiness. "....wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin." -2 Nephi 2:23
"The trials and tribulations we go through in this life, is the education we came to gain."
Enjoy the journey! It is a great one!
