LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF.....GOLF BALLS??

I once read this somewhere:

“When they first manufactured golf balls, they made the covers smooth. Then it was discovered that after a ball had been roughed up one could get more distance out of it. So they started manufacturing them with dimpled covers. So it is with life; it takes some rough spots in your life to make you go your farthest.”

Let’s be honest, no one likes PAIN. No one likes that feeling of weakness, being venerable, and totally void of strength. Personally, I can’t stand being outside of my comfort zone. I like when life is going great, when everyone likes me, and happiness is my middle name. But is that reality? Or better yet, if things go right ALL THE TIME will that produce success and joy?

By no means!

I’ve learned these past 20something years that some of the greatest times in life are those seasons of suffering and pain; when everything and everyone seem to be against you and your purpose. I’ll admit that in the midst of it all it was tough and at time I wanted to quit, throw in the towel, stop being the nice guy, question God, and say a few four letter words to make my point clear! (suffering & pain is never easy)

But I always consider the GOLF BALL…

How due to its rough and beaten up exterior its able to sour more accurately towards its appointed destination. I imagine the Golfer swinging the golf club as life and all its obstacles and unexpected tragedies and we as the Golf ball taking the licks. Being hit left and right, acquiring more dents and scars with every blow. But consider the GOLF BALL! Every scar, every hit, every obstacle in life contributes to your maturity and character. So stand strong! Sometimes you have to take the licks and hits but the fruits that it produces are even greater!     FORE!!

^“but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
-Romans 5:3-5-

Baby Steps...

Welp!


Here I am, 25 years old and still fighting through the same struggles I had at the age of 19. I'm not saying that these past 5 years were all that bad and ugly, its just there's a few things that I have to admit are a little off. Remember the first day of High School when the teacher went around the classroom asking everyone to say their name and what they planned on becoming in the future? Do you remember how fast your heart beat as your turn was getting closer, just thinking about how cool, fantastic, and amazing your future goal was going to sound when the other students heard it? I stood up and spit my name out in a bold voice "My name is: Dario!" and out of my mouth the word came out "When I grow up I will graduate college and be thee most famous and wealthy person ever and you ALL will want to be me!!"..... (OK I didn't say it like that) In Fact, I don't even remember what I said, but I do know it wasn't the life I'm living now! 25, still battling with with degrees and career paths, still trying to make ends meet, still, still, still....


Ever feel like that?


A lot of study has been put into the percentage of people that actually accomplish planned goals in life and the numbers are staggering. I can't begin to think about how many people I know who are going through the exact same thing that I am going through. Always dreaming and planning but falling flat on their faces! Always seeing others succeed and wondering if your crazy! But with all the failures and disappointments, I must say that I'm wiser than I used to be!


We may not be where we want to be, but I'm sure most of us can agree that we aren't where, and who we used to be!  Amen to dat! I've learned that all we have to do is keep dreaming and keep working hard towards our goals in life. Making mistakes is a healthy part of learning and growing. Believe it or not most of us are closer to our goals than we have ever been and every day is filled with life lessons. The most important lesson I have learned is to NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF WITH THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS. You never know what a person has been through in order to get to where they are, we just see the finished product! Not the struggles, sufferings, and hard work they put in. So, I'm 25 and I'm still  running with even more ambition and wisdom!


So Keep running! Don't give up! and Focus on thee Goal!!