Your Next Shot

Listen to today’s story seed. He played golf on his 90th birthday. That in itself is quite an accomplishment, to be agile enough to continue to play a game that you have loved throughout your life. But it is how Bert Rosenberg came to play the game that I really want to share with you today.

You see, Bert is legally blind. He is not physically fit. He walks slowly and with small steps. He can see a little bit, but certainly not well enough to drive a car. That’s why on his 90th birthday, he kissed his wife goodbye for now, and he walked down the hill from his condo and waited for the bus.

It wasn’t a quick trip to the bus stop. Bert had to be extra careful not to fall. But he made it with a smile.

He took the metro across town and once again walked down the long driveway to the golf course. There he met a friend and together they played golf. His friend, of course, spotted the ball every time Bert hit it. His friend told him what direction to hit the ball, how far to hit the ball, and how well he was doing.

By Bert’s account, they had a great time. And Bert was filled with gratitude.

Bert loved it, that’s why he was doing it on his 90th birthday. After they finished, he took the bus back to his wife to have a rest and then some birthday dinner.

Later that evening, back at his condo, Bert walked his dog.  A friend rolled down his window and said hi to him from his parked car. Bert, walked toward the car not immediately recognizing the voice. “Who’s that?” he asked.

Soon they were laughing together. Bert reached out and took his friend’s hand. “It’s good to see you. I’m so glad you’re well. I was thinking about you the other day…please tell your wife hello for me.”

Do you know someone like this? Are you trying to be like Bert, cheerful, active, kind?

As we deepen our experience this Lent, some of us come to terms with serious issues. Sickness, isolation, pain, stress, our own sinfulness, unrest in our family… The list goes on and on.

Sing out O heavens and rejoice O earth…For the Lord comforts his people.

Sometimes we don’t feel that comfort. All we can think about is the cross we are carrying, or the cross we are watching someone else carry. It can make our life gloomy anytime of the year, but especially during Lent. We know the crucifixion is coming.

And yet this is not a time of gloom. This is a time to find inner strength. To exercise the capabilities, you have to live life fully and joyfully.

You may be mostly blind and can hardly walk, but look around, there is always something good in your life. Go ahead. A bus will be by soon. Take the road toward happiness. Take your next shot like it’s your 90th birthday. 

Now let’s take 30 seconds to water the seed…

What joy can I have in hardship?