In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, NIV)
As I came to the ninth hole at Dallas Athletic Club, site of the 1963 PGA Championship, I had a good round going. My drive left me with perfect wedge distance, 100 yards over water to a benign green. Go time.
Marveling at the amount of earth moved, I didn’t see if my ball or the divot hit the pond first, but the ensuing concentric circles on the surface caught my eye as my Titleist sank underneath.
The ripple effect caused by my ball reminded me of a similar impact my friend and predecessor in the Links Players ministry, Randy Wolff, is having just by turning off his alarm clock.
Here’s an example. While several of us engaged in post-lunch fellowship at a retreat last fall, Randy’s phone started buzzing at 3:16. After being razzed for the innocuous interruption, he explained to the group that the alarm is an everyday cue for him to stop and pray, inspired by the verse John 3:16.
I’m guessing he thought nothing of it, but that interlude on November 4, 2019 is still making ripples.
My friend Jason was so galvanized by Randy’s routine that his iPhone now sounds off daily at 3:16 as well.
After being razzed for the innocuous interruption, he explained to the group that the alarm is an everyday cue for him to stop and pray.My phone has since been programmed with an alert at 4:06 to remind me, “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6).
Another friend’s inspiration came as he was driving home from golf one day and noticed the clouds in the sky forming the number 23. David’s phone now goes off at 2:31 each day prompting him to remember, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
The influence has since spread beyond those at the retreat. I recently met with a potential leader of a new Links Fellowship, and as we spoke my phone started buzzing at 4:06. He said to grab the call if needed, but I shared the reason behind the distraction. His response? He said, “That’s great!” and started praying for us both right there.
Golf gives us a wonderful opportunity to engage others in spiritual conversations. Who knew alarm clock functionality could do the same?
May I suggest next time you dump one in the water to not focus on the forthcoming penalty or the round that could have been? Rather, let the ripples be a reminder, like today’s verse, of the impact you can have on others with something as simple as a phone alarm.
Just make sure it doesn’t go off in someone’s backswing!
—
Drew Hamilton
January 22, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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