Most Putts Don't Drop

Ahhh!  Another gimme!  Why won't the ball just go in the hole every time?  Do you ever wonder that?  Well ... I'm here to tell you that most putts don't drop for us common folk.  If you're not a Tiger Woods when it comes to golf, then you understand that life takes work.  And it even takes work for Tiger.

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . . .

Life is like an old-time rail journey--delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

--Jenkin Lloyd Jones

This quote helps me keep in mind that we just need to be grateful for life and all the little things.  We may work at a mediocre job that is, let's face it, boring.  But at least you are providing for your family.  I may not have that dreamy Lamborghini or a private jet, but at least I have my old Nissan that still gets me where I need to go.  We can go on and on about things that we don't have and really don't need but we really, really want.

The reality is the nature of wanting never ends.  It keeps going, and when you finally give yourself what you want, then you will want something else.  The cycle keeps repeating itself.  

So, I don't really want to go around expecting that I am going to get everything I want.  If I do, I'll go around shouting, "I've been robbed!" just as Mr. Jones said I would.  And don't get me wrong, I am not saying that all wants are bad.  We may want to be accepted by peers, live in our dream house, have the perfect family, etc.  These are all good things to want, but if I don't stop to smell the roses or even admire them then they aren't worth it.  So how do I pacify the hungry wants that are innately a part of me?

Gratitude.  

Gratitude quenches the hunger and thirst of wants.  It makes you stop and reflect on the moment.  It helps you really see how great your life is.  

So remember when you are going through a rough time, because you will (and more than once for that matter), think of something you are grateful for: a friend who cares, chocolate, exercise, nature, prayer, a second chance ... and just BE grateful. 

Grateful for this cutie. :)