Thinning The Field

This past Thursday I played in the Master's Men Golf Tournament and throughly enjoyed myself.  While I have done this a number of times I did not have my usual partner, Sterl Paramore.  We had originally intended to play together, but his work would not permit it this time around.  The result was that I got paired with Benjamin Simpson, who is a much better golfer than me (or Sterl for that matter!).  We ended up shooting a two under par 70, and from previous experience I figured that would mean we were not good enough to win but probably too good to win the "second flight" trophy.  Turns out we were right on the mark for second place, second flight, which means we were the second best of the bottom half of the golfers that played.  Now I know that sort of sounds like the kids who all get a trophy for just being on the team, but I was still glad to be taking a trophy home.

A friend commented as I stood grinning holding my trophy, "You know you just won that because not as many guys competed this year."  That might be true, but so what?  Woody Allen once famously said that half of success is just showing up.  I showed up, I played a decent round, and I came home with something to show for it!

Now, this may be crass allegorical application, but it strikes me that a lot of life is like that golf tournament.  Were there a lot of potential golfers, who are a ton better than me, who might have played in that tournament?  Sure.  Did they play?  No.  Now for the application.  Are there a lot of guys more gifted, better educated, and with a more exemplary track record than me who could successfully pastor a church like Bethlehem?  Sure.  Are they willing to do it?  No.  I think it is up to me to do the best I can, to enjoy myself, and I have no doubt I will go home with a trophy.