Bryson DeChambeau Had Fun

What a wild U.S. Open as we witnessed Bryson DeChambeau hit unbelievable shots and knock down the putts needed to win his second U.S. Open title! While his game has been remarkable in recent majors, the way he’s evolved into a fan favorite has also been a huge storyline. The crowds were cheering for him throughout the tournament, and on Sunday, he stuck around afterward to sign autographs and be with the people. Bryson tweeted on Saturday, “The energy was electric today, having fun out there with the fans is what it’s all about.” It was refreshing to see Bryson interact with the crowd in a fun way. He included them in the excitement, and they experienced pleasure and gratification being around him. Not only did DeChambeau have fun with the fans, but also with the very challenging Pinehurst No. 2 course. He had plenty of errant shots, but he embraced the difficulties by hitting fun shots out of the bunker, the rough, and the trees. I find it fascinating that DeChambeau’s plan and approach when heading into the tournament was to have fun, and that’s exactly what he did. On the Monday before the U.S. Open, ESPN.com published an article by Paolo Uggetti in which Bryson was quoted as saying, “I'll try to do my best to show the crowd some fun drives and some hopefully long-made putts.” Uggetti went on to write, “On Monday, after watching a bunker shot land on the sixth green and then roll off all the way back into the bunker where he stood, DeChambeau sighed, shrugged and laughed. ‘It's going to be fun,’ he said sarcastically, before adding, ‘Seriously, the person who has the most fun with it is going to do well this week.’ Perhaps no one is better suited to do that than him.” Amazingly, he had the most fun and, in the end, was the one holding up the trophy. Let’s face it: when athletes become professionals, they can easily forget that playing a sport is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, it becomes so seriously intense that tremendous pressure and stress result in fear and worry instead of fun, freedom, and enjoyment. When it comes to our own lives, are we having as much fun as we can, or are we so bogged down by challenges, pressures, and stresses that we have a tough time enjoying anything? Of course, life isn’t all about having fun and goofing around, but is it possible to have fun even when we land in the “bunkers” or “the rough”? By surrendering our lives to Jesus, we experience true freedom, peace, and joy. As a byproduct of the victory found in Him, we should have some genuine fun, without sinning. Jesus says in John 10:10 (AMP), “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance .” Part of enjoying life is having fun with people and actually having fun with Jesus. Yes, there are many elements of life to take seriously, and our journey is challenging, but we can’t forget that it’s a fun and exciting adventure following Jesus. Let’s live with joy, peace, and freedom instead of bondage, worry, and fear because it’s hard to have real fun when we’re consumed with worry and trapped in sin. Proverbs 17:22 (AMP) tells us, “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (AMP) says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty .” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Today, as we reflect on how Bryson DeChambeau had fun on the course and with the people while winning the U.S. Open, let’s be encouraged that life can be fun with the right approach. Life is hard, but with Jesus, we learn to enjoy it as we enjoy Him and His people. Remember, we can even have fun as we trust Him to get us out of the “bunkers.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me not to be consumed with worry, stress, and fear but cling to Christ and the freedom, joy, and peace I have in Him. I pray that You'll help me enjoy life and have fun as I love and serve people and rely on You to get me through the challenges I face. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.