Today I had the priveledge of watching a dear friend learn golf. The grey cloudy sky spit down drops of rain as the wind blew my hair in all directions. Still that didn't stop the eager students or their faithful teachers.

The tiny white balls were tapped and hit across the green grass, missing the deep blue plastic kiddy pool by inches...sometimes yards. Still the enthusiasm from these young golfers was infecting! I found myself watching the balls, praying they would head in the right direction.

It was refreshing seeing the golf coaches come along side the students and tutor...standing with them, observing their posture with the angles at which they struck the ball. Then with gentle guidance, these instructors would offer advice, and soon the golfers aim improved.

...Yet, I couldn't help noticing one of the instructors walk from child to child, spending just enough time and then moving on. The expression on his face, his body language said that he couldn't wait until the end of the day. I wondered if the "future golfers" saw what I saw.

How thankful was I wnen this teacher was called away. I assumed someone else saw what I did. I didn't watch where he went. I kept my focus on my friend as he kept swinging away at the ball.
Soon it was time to relocate to another "green". To my surprise, this teacher who was called away, was standing on the green as we arrived. Several tiny flags planted before holes surrounded him. He directed the students where they were to stand.

Again, I focused my sights on my friend, who kept trying over and over...each time the ball wizzed by the hole. But when my focus was pinpointed and everything was quiet...BING!! It goes in! He putted a Hole in One!

"YES!!" I exclaim, throwing up my arms and pulling them back as I jumped just a titch. It was when every head turned and faced me that I realized I might be too loud....he he he.

In the same way I've had days to where the "Sky" is overcast...when everything seems to be going wrong...problems just spit down upon me and the winds of discouragement try to knock me over.
Still I keep swinging...

I am so thankful for those out there "cheering" me on...encouraging me not to give up...to press in and keep trying.

Jesus is the loudest of my "cheerleaders"...making heads turn. He's not ashamed to tell someone they are doing a great job...no matter the volume. Peer pressure doesn't keep Him from speaking His Words.

May we all be encouraging one another to be strong and to hold on......