Practice

My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31

They have been improving the driving range at the course. A new, long strip of that fake grass has been laid down. It is pretty smooth and you don't take divots. I can go up there and spend an hour (well, maybe 30 minutes) and hit some pretty good shots. As they say, I get my groove going. Smooth and easy, up in the air, far out there. Then I get to the first tee and...hmmm. What happens between the practice tee and the first tee???

I read the Bible, go to church, read my favorite devotionals every morning. I am in the groove. I know what to do. I know what Jesus would do. Then I get out into the real world and...hummm. What happens? Why can't I put into practice all that I know I should be doing. Why am I not always generous, why do I have trouble loving some of my neighbors? Why can I not always turn the other cheek? I'm not saying I don't do some things right, I'm not a complete mess. I think it is because I do not often remember to live in the present. Pay complete, close attention to what I am doing right in this moment. I find when I am totally aware of myself and my actions I can practice what I know is God's will for my life. I can forgive, be generous, helpful, witness, and love those that seem a mite unlovable. I will continue to put more and more of God's message to practice. My life sure will be better. I will find my groove out in the world.