This past Monday I spent time at our Annual Missions Golf Classic. Each year I begin that event with a few thoughts and a prayer. Good weather was in question on Monday, so I did pray for no rain. A number of folks asked me Monday, "Do you play?" (I assume they meant golf.) I said, "No, I pray." Someone asked me to pray especially for his golf game. But I did pray for good weather in order for the golfers to enjoy the day more, and surprise - it turned out to be a pretty day. I joked that I would be like Moses who held up his hands when the Israelites went into battle, and as long as he held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. He even had two helpers hold up his arms when he could do it no more. I imagined praying for the rain to stay away like that, but thankfully that was not needed.

Now do I think God cares a great deal about the weather in our lives? Well, yes and no. (Sounds like a preacher answer.) I do think God cares about every event of our lives because Jesus tells us that God knows things like how many hairs are on our heads. On the other hand, I wonder if praying for good weather is at the top of God's list when there are so many other greater needs in the world. But I still ask, and then I leave it up to God to answer the best way.

Sixty-seven golfers showed up to support the classic and the missions that are made possible because of it. Last Spring, I went with a group of folks from our church to the DR on a mission trip supported by this event. It affected us so much that we plan to "dive deeper" in the coming years to make a long-term difference there. Thank you to all who played, gave, volunteered, or attended!