Sunday, June 15, 2025 – The Most Holy Trinity
Today is the final round of the 2025 U.S. Open Men’s Golf Championship Tournament in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago the Women’s U.S. Open Championship was played and won by Maja Stark of Sweden. While viewing the women’s tournament, it was said that when Maja Stark is facing a difficult shot on the golf course, she would ask herself, How can I make myself proud? That comment caused me to think.
When I am in a difficult or problematic situation with no clear solution, that phrase is beneficial—how can I make myself proud? What is the dignified, productive approach and solution in addressing it? It could motivate me to a new creative response to the dilemma facing me. To push this idea to a more religious and spiritual sense, I/we could pose How can I make myself proud and make Jesus proud of me too? That can further increase the motivation to make the best decision based on the circumstances.
Such questions/reflections can prod us forward when we would rather “throw in the towel” claiming that a situation is hopeless and give up. Even on trivial matters when we just want to be lazy and take it easy when more could be done, such challenging thoughts can move us forward to be of the service we are called to, and witness “the good stuff” to others. Our human condition can be strong in pushing us to a negative or inactive path, so we must be prepared to counteract such temptations.
Be it Maja Stark, or any other person in sports, the arts, various professions, or in general life events, let us keep our ears open to hear those thoughts of wisdom that will cause us to rethink how we address life events and the difficulties which life brings. Let us hear their wisdom and apply it to our days so we can be great and champions ourselves—most importantly, in the eyes of God.