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
