God's goodness & golf

God's goodness and golf--such a strange blog post title, I know. How in the world will I connect the goodness of God with the game of golf? Well, here you go...

Last night, Paul and I went to his end-of-the-year party for his golf course and its sister courses. I have to admit that I wasn't terribly excited about a golf Christmas party that was comprised primarily of golfers that I do not know. But as it turns out, my second cousin and his wife were there because--unbeknownst to me--they are members at a sister course, so I ended up knowing two more people than I expected to at the party. But I'll get to that part of the story momentarily.

One of the reasons we wanted to go to this party was because they were having a reverse raffle (still not sure exactly what that is?), and the grand prize was $3000 that could be used toward anything at the golf club--including monthly fees, golf clubs, etc. The winner would have more than a year of golf paid in full for his or her entire family. It was a prize that I admit I had prayed for from time to time whenever Paul mentioned it. You see, only people who had won tournaments during the year would be qualified to participate in the raffle. Paul had only played in three tournaments this year (probably because I requested that he not play as much golf this year, so he honored me in that). But of the three tournaments, I think he placed first or second in all of them, so his name was put into the drawing six times. There were 135 drawings, so his chances were probably better than anyone's that he would win some kind of a prize, though of the 135 drawings, there were only 36 prizes, so four of the times that Paul's name was drawn, there was no prize. But by the twentieth drawing, every person whose name was drawn received a prize. And at this point, Paul's name was in there not once but twice.

Paul looks at me when drawing #20 was up and said, "How cool would it be if I won the grand prize and the second prize?" We both laughed, and I agreed that such an event--though highly unlikely--would be such a blessing. Because of the economy, we had discussed downgrading our membership next year which would restrict when we could play but would allow us to pay a lower fee each month.

The drawings continued until the 10th prize drawing, at which point we paused and moved into the auditorium to have a business-type meeting and would then close the night with the final drawings. As we began our exit from the banquet room, my cousin says, "My name is still in the drawing."

"Yeah, I saw that, and so is Paul's name. His is in there twice. I think you two should take the top three prizes."

We both laughed and he agreed that this would be ideal. Of course, I'm sure he had his eye on the grand prize, too!

After a very long business meeting (where I passed the time trying to figure out how to use Paul's cell phone and accidentally called a few folks), the drawings commenced.

They called name #10--not Paul's. Every time they drew a name, I prayed, "Not Paul's name. Not Paul's name." They called #9, #8, #7.....all the way to #5, and still--Paul's name had not been called. Things were looking really good for him and for my cousin, whose name had not been called either. But Paul's chances were twice as good as my cousin's for winning the grand prize.

They called #4, and neither Paul nor my cousin's name was called. That meant that the top three prizes were going to my cousin and to Paul. I was elated.

And then they said it--#3, "Gary Norris". Paul looked stunned. Then slowly, his hands went up in the air in sheer astonishment. He had won both the first and second place prizes. He had won $3,000 to use at the golf course and unlimited tournament entry fees (a prize probably valued at well over $1000). This astonishing win means two things: Paul will not be paying the golf course a dime for anthing for at least a year. And it means that if I want to see my husband in 2011, I better take up golf.

I can't tell you how grateful we felt when we realized what Paul had won. It was amazing. The odds of this happening were well under 1% from a statistical point of view. But with God, statistics mean nothing. He can do anything. And he did. He just gave my husband a desire of his heart--more golf FOR FREE. Paul said to me on the drive home that I could use some of the money we will save to go shopping. Of course, that made me so happy, but truthfully--just seeing the joy on my husband's face was enough. At least for now it is. :)

I stand amazed at God's goodness to us, in every area of our lives. If it all went south tomorrow, God would still be good. That will never change.

But I have to share this--just a few months ago, a local municipality tried to charge us an ungodly amount of money to do some road improvements where we own a business. It wasn't right nor was it fair. Needless to say, we did a lot of praying and asking God to intervene. And he did. We still have to pay more than we should, but they reduced the original charge 75%. But ever since that ordeal, we have seen the hand of God reach down to bless us financially time and time again, providing ways for us to earn more. It was as if He was saying to us, "Don't worry. I've got you. I will take care of you." And Paul's winning those raffles last night was just another reminder that He holds us, He cares for us, and He will not only take care of us but will bless us with heart's desires. What a good God He is.

So if you don't see me much in 2011, you can probably find me on the golf course with my husband and sons. And it won't be costing us a dime. Thank you, Jesus.