August 15th, 2007, Skylinks Golf Course. I am playing golf with my friends, Todd, Mike and Doug. It’s 10:00 AM and the temperature is over 90 already. We are waiting our turn to hit tee shots on the 6th hole. I am dressed in my khaki Bermuda shorts, blue fabric belt, Hi Cut T-shirt, white socks and my brown and white golf shoes with the small spikes. My friends are all dressed for golf. The sky is clear, the Sun hot, the grass is green and smells great, we can feel a slight gentle breeze offering some relief from the heat.
This golf course has a Marshall who does not play but drives around the course offering assistance to any golfer who may need it. The marshal also makes certain the golfers play at a good pace so the game doesn’t get too slow for everyone.. This day the marshal drives up to me as we wait and asks me if I would like some ice water as he has a Gatorade container on the back of his golf cart.
I say “No thank you, not right now”.
He drives another two feet or so to where Todd and Doug are standing and asks them.
Todd says, “Sure, thank you”.
The marshal gets out, goes to the back of his cart and opens the lid on the Gatorade container. He has floated sliced lemons in the water and the breeze carries the delightful aroma of lemons to me. I catch the smell and turn to stare at the water and take in the lemony flavors. I simply stare at the container as he opens the spigot to give Todd his water.
My staring is interrupted by the marshal as he turns to look at me and says,
“It’s your mind, you can change it if you want”.
I got my life lesson for the day.
And a refreshing drink of lemon flavored ice water.
Thank you Mr. Marshal.
