by Henrik Bernhard at freeimages.com
Byron Nelson tells an interesting anecdote in his autobiography regarding Ben Crenshaw in the 1975 U.S. Open. Ben was finishing up his third round and walking to the 17th hole when lightning struck nearby. It scared him so badly that he just flat ran off the course. A couple of USGA officials in the clubhouse were saying he would have to be disqualified. As they started out the door to talk to Ben several bolts of lightning struck near the clubhouse, which caused them to scurry back inside! This changed their thoughts and convinced them to suspend play. They chose not to disqualify Ben (pg. 205)!
Byron’s story is a good reminder for all of us not to be harsh and judgmental of others. When we “get out in the weather” and “face the same lightning” they face we will often have a better understanding of why they acted like they did. Trying to understand others begins by trying to relate to their circumstances. In order to comfort and encourage one another we need to come along side our friends and walk in their shoes. It is easy to sit in the clubhouse and disqualify others for their actions, but when the lightning almost hits you, you tend to understand and give grace!
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“It is easy to sit in the clubhouse and disqualify others for their actions” I’m sad when I see this in the church. I’m frustrated when I see this in our secular politics!
[…] It is Different When The Lightning Almost Hits You! […]