TEE IT UP SUNDAY

"As it is, there are many parts, but one body." (1 Corinthians 12:20, NIV)

It was one of those rare sunny and warm spring days. No wind, perfect for a round of golf. I glanced at my ever-present bag and clubs sitting in the passenger seat and decided to cut the day's work short in order to attack the local muni near my last stop.

Living in a new area, I still have not found any golfing "buds." I have practically begged some guys at the church to invite me next time they go, but the hint hasn't taken hold yet. So, I continue to be "the single with the Smith threesome."

On this particular day I was paired up with Ming, a 65-year-old immigrant from China. Through her broken English, I learned her husband had been killed in a car crash a few years ago. She was now retired and involved in her Buddhist church doing all sorts of volunteer work. She plays golf once a week, usually with three other friends.

However, today she was stuck with this 55-year-old cookie salesman from California.

What an amazing game! I know of no other activity in our culture where two strangers from such different backgrounds can spend four hours together pursuing something they both enjoy and learn about each other at the same time. Being the "single" enabled me to spend time with a very different part of this family we are all a part of--the family of the Father's wonderful creation.

In the fellowship you attend there are many parts. But often we do not take the time to expand our circle of friends and acquaintances. We get comfortable sitting in the same row, saying hello to the same people.

There are a whole lot of Mings out there to be met. People with wonderful stories of faith. Brothers and sisters in the Lord with different kinds of gifts and abilities to build you up.

I wonder what would happen at your church this Sunday if you arrived only to discover it was "Tee It Up Sunday." The goal? Spend time with folks you have not met. The elders appoint a "starter" who groups people into foursomes and off you go for a walk around the neighborhood to listen to each other's stories.

For some, it would be an uncomfortable morning--as when I first saw I was going to play with an older woman that day! For most, it would be a rare morning, and unforgettable! For years, people would say, “Remember when we had Tee It Up Sunday?”

Now, go out and discover the richness of your diverse fellowship.

By the way, Ming hit the ball very straight and I needed to keep my head in the game to beat her!

--

Brad Davis

May 16, 2006

Copyright 2006 Links Players International

The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.