The
Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious in professional golf. In
2009, Kenny Perry placed second after leading during the final round. Writing
in The New York Times, Bill Pennington described Perry as “disappointed
but not despondent” after the loss. “I’ll look back on it occasionally and
wonder what I might have done differently, but I won’t dwell on it,” Perry
said. “If this is the worst thing that happens in my life, I’ve got it pretty
good. I won’t let it dog me. There are so many other things in life that matter
more . . . . I’ll go home tonight with my family and we’ll have fun.”
The
ability to look beyond our disappointments is essential for followers of
Christ. Our focus determines how we face the victories and defeats in life. “If
then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not
on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2). This way of thinking looks to Christ,
rather than our achievements, for significance and validation. We seek Him, not
success.
When we
strive for excellence and give our best effort, losing hurts, but it doesn’t
have to harm us. The key is where we set our minds and hearts.
When God is the center of your focus, everything
else comes into proper perspective. (RBC)
