I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:11-13).
For the last fourteen years, I’ve had the privilege of representing the Myrtle Beach golf communities as their golf ambassador.
From sharing golf tips on the local Fox News evening broadcast to creating digital content that encourages golfers to experience some of the best courses on the East Coast, this role has been a joy-filled adventure.
I love connecting with people, and God has used golf to open countless doors for me to share Christ along the way.
One of the challenges, though, is that people often expect me to play exceptionally well every time I step onto the course. And while I am an LPGA Class A professional, that title doesn’t automatically guarantee great golf.
Like anything else, it requires time, commitment, and consistency. With the last three years devoted to full-time ministry and the blessing of a rapidly growing family, we welcomed four grandchildren in just two and a half years, including a set of twins—the time to play 18 holes has become scarce.
But something has shifted in me: I’ve stopped setting heavy expectations for myself. When I do get the chance to play, I tell myself, swing easy, forget about distance, and just keep it in the fairway.
It’s simple. Gone are the days of demanding tight dispersion or perfect scores or feeling like I have to perform for others. I just want to play “happy golf”-to be outdoors, enjoy good company, and embrace the moment with no pressure.
The Indian poet Sri Chinmoy said it well: “Peace begins when expectation ends.” In this season of my life, I’m finding peace with letting go of expectations, including unnecessary expectations of myself.
This past week, I was invited to play with a local celebrity—one of the perks of the ambassador role. I showed up with zero expectations, even swapping my professional bag for a simple carry bag. I told myself, just relax and have fun.
And surprisingly, I played really well-just one over par-without striving or forcing anything. It was as if by surrendering my expectations, I finally made room for joy and freedom in the game again.
This whole experience reminded me of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
I’m learning that contentment isn’t about performance-on the golf course or in life. It’s about surrendering to the season God has placed me in and trusting Him with what I can and cannot do right now. And in that surrender, He gives strength, peace, and even the unexpected gift of a really good round of golf.
Prayer: “Lord, help me to let go of expectations with myself or even others. Help me to continue to learn how to be content in every situation trusting that you will bring about your perfect will for my life and for my family and friends. Jesus, we trust in you in all things and know that every season in our lives is arranged perfectly by you.”