The Fairway of Grace: A Father's Love, a Child's Struggle, and God's Unwavering Guidance

Yesterday, I witnessed a powerful parable unfold on a seemingly ordinary golf course. I had just left church and joined my family and friends on the course for an evening round of golf. All day I was struggling to come up with a topic for the following days recovery meeting. Would I read more of the “Traveling Light” book by Max Lacudo? Would it be a process group?Or would I “wing it” and go in blind? As I sat in my golf cart I watched my brother and his young daughter play, and what I saw transcended the game itself……it laid out the blueprint for tonight’s topic.

It was a vivid illustration of the struggles we face, the power of guidance, and the unwavering love that lifts us from despair. My niece, a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, quickly found herself battling the unforgiving challenges of the game. Her first few shots were promising, filled with the joy of a child discovering something new. But then, the hazards began.One shot landed deep in the woods, another rolled into the thick, tangled rough, and yet another, tragically, found its way into the water. With each misstep, the light in her eyes dimmed, and frustration took hold. Her shoulders slumped, her chin down, and the words, 'I want to give up,' echoed with a heartbreaking sincerity. It was a picture of pure, unadulterated defeat. And in that moment, I saw a reflection of the battles we all face, especially those struggling with addiction, where the weight of our failures can feel insurmountable.

Watching her struggle, I saw more than just a child frustrated with a game. I saw the very image of someone trapped, someone feeling the crushing weight of repeated setbacks. The way she looked, head down, eyes filled with defeat, it mirrored the feelings of helplessness that addiction brings. It's that moment when you feel utterly lost, when the path forward seems impossible, when you're convinced you'll never escape the cycle of failure. It's the feeling of being swallowed by the hazard, unable to see the way out. This is where Hebrews 12:1 becomes so powerful: 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.'

My niece was entangled in frustration, in the feeling of failure, and it was hindering her progress, just like addiction hinders our spiritual and personal growth.""But then, my brother stepped in. He didn’t yell, he didn’t dismiss her feelings, and he certainly didn’t let her quit. He stood beside her, his voice calm and reassuring. He reminded her of the basics: 'Remember your stance, keep your eye on the ball, follow through.' He showed her how to adjust her grip, how to shift her weight. He explained the physics of the swing, not with technical jargon, but with simple, relatable language. His presence was a beacon of hope, a lifeline in her sea of frustration.

This, I realized, is a glimpse of God's guidance. When we're lost in the hazards of life, when addiction threatens to consume us, He doesn't abandon us. He comes alongside us, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction. He patiently reminds us of the principles we've forgotten, the truths we've lost sight of. He shows us how to adjust our 'swing,' how to change our perspective, and how to find our way back to the fairway. This is the coaching that 1 Corinthians9:24-25 speaks of, 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do this to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.' God is our coach, training us for a life of recovery and victory.

And then, something remarkable happened. With her father’s guidance, my niece began to hit the ball again. Not perfectly, not every time, but with increasing confidence and skill. Each successful shot was a victory, a testament to her perseverance and her father’s unwavering support. There was a visible shift in her demeanor. Her chin up, her shoulders straightened, and a smile, bright and radiant, lit up her face. The joy of recovery, the thrill of overcoming a challenge, was on perfect display.

This is the power of God’s redeeming grace. Every time we overcome a temptation, every time we resist the urge to relapse, every time we choose faith over fear, it’s a victory. It’s a moment of redemption, a testament to God’s power to transform our lives. Just as my niece experienced the joy of hitting a good shot after a series of bad ones, we experience the joy of recovery, the joy of knowing that we are not defined by our failures, but by God’s love and grace. This is the essence of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up,' and 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing,' the power of community, and the power of God’s help, working through others.

Throughout the entire experience, what stood out most was the unwavering love my brother showed his daughter. He was patient, understanding, and encouraging, even when she was at her most frustrated. This love, I believe, is a reflection of God’s love for us. It’s a love that never gives up, a love that always believes in our potential, a love that is always there to guide us back to the fairway. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.' God’s grace is the foundation of our hope, the assurance that we are never alone, that we are always loved, even in our darkest moments. Just like my niece, we can find joy and confidence again, knowing that we are guided by a love that is greater than any challenge we face.

As I sat here writing this I remembered the words written in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!I have overcome the world." Or in Romans "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."Romans 6:14 And finally in Philippians “I can do all this through him who gives me strength."Philippians 4:13

So, as you walk your own 'golf course' of life, remember the lessons I learned that day. Remember the frustration, the guidance, and the joy of recovery. Remember the unwavering love of a father, and the even greater love of our Heavenly Father. When you find yourself in the hazards, when you feel like giving up, remember that you are not alone. Reach out for guidance, embrace the support of your community, and trust in the love that will always lead you back to the fairway of grace.

-Christopher Andrews