A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart, the spirit is crushed. (Proverbs 15:13, ESV)
So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad, and then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)
Among the many benefits our game offers, few exceed the joy of laughter, especially when shared with friends. Throughout a round of golf—before, during, and after—it fosters an atmosphere where we can enjoy hearty laughs together.
Granted, golf often involves quite a bit of mumbling and grumbling. If we had a hidden camera capturing all the post-shot commentary from our friends trudging back to the cart or stomping down the fairway, we could mischievously compile a comedy worthy of an Oscar.
Watching our friends after they “blow it right,” flailing their arms and verbally berating themselves about why that shot was so terrible while bending the shaft across their necks—I admit it’s dark humor, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Ultimately, laughter at oneself, playing partners, and even those odd bounces trump murmuring every time. Post-round debriefs in the locker room while settling bets provide some of the best comedic routines on the market—Netflix should consider that!
If Nate Bargatze, Jim Gaffigan, and Jeff Foxworthy are looking for new material, watching and listening to golfers after a three-putt is some of the best content on the market. After watching today’s video, many will agree that Teddy should think about a career in comedy once his toting days are over.
Billy Graham once said, “A keen sense of humor helps us overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable.” Remembering this might help soften the blow the next time you “hit the big ball first” or “leave it in the bunker.”
Unfortunately, many believe that following Christ the King necessitates a constant and intense state of misery. It’s just not so! Dave Ramsey once said, “If you are happy, notify your face. Others around you will be glad.” Can I get an Amen?
Those who follow Jesus will undoubtedly endure seasons of nearly unbearable pain and grief. However, Spirit-inspired cheerfulness should accompany us every day of our lives—even in times of pain. Contrary to a popular and mistaken notion, being grumpy is not one of the fruits of the Spirit.
This past Monday, as I stood by my dying mother’s hospital bed, I heard the nurses in the hall sharing a good laugh. My immediate reaction was irritation. I was within a whisker of storming out there and giving them “what-the-heck-speech!”
Then, in a nano-second, I realized that while I am sad saying goodbye to my mom in her mortal life, I find unspeakable joy in knowing that her immortal life awaits. One day, like you, I will face the same reality! In that moment, knowing Jesus makes all the difference in the world.
Can I laugh in the face of death? You better believe I can and will because two thousand years ago, King Jesus “came, saw, and triumphed over death.” With Paul, we can now say, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?”
Just as “D-Day” guaranteed “VE-Day,” Christ’s death and resurrection guarantee our resurrection into immortality, provided you’ve surrendered to His Lordship. You can “take that to the bank!”
Sometime soon, I will officiate the funeral of this petite, beautiful, godly, and strong woman who brought me and three siblings into this life. Will I cry? Surely? Will I rejoice with unspeakable joy? You can count on it!
Of all the many things I will cherish about Joe Ann (Crawford) Darville, her laughs will be what I will miss the most.
Prayer: Jesus! Sustain us with “joy unspeakable” in life’s toughest moments.