Phil Mickelson continues to be one of the great American golfers, and a key draw for fans in every tournament he plays. Since turning pro in 1993, he has never missed or won the US Open. Phil has five major victories, but the US Open is the only major he hasn't conquered.
Finishing second by one shot in the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst, the following day his daughter, Amanda, was born. Eighteen years later, she is graduating from high school during the opening round of this year’s US Open.
Phil doesn’t want to miss her ceremony or the commencement speech she will give as the class president, so he’s skipping the tournament in order to support his daughter. He had this to say:
“Obviously, it's a tournament that I want to win the most, and it's a tournament - the only way to win is if you play and have a chance. But this is one of those moments where you look back on life, and you just don't want to miss it. I'll be really glad that I was there and present.”
I love this story and appreciate the stand Phil’s taking to put his family before golf. Most fans have applauded him for his sacrifice, but I’m sure plenty are also disappointed he won't be playing.
Although we don't know how we would handle the same situation if we were in his shoes, the truth is that each of us regularly face similar choices with a lot less attention and fanfare.
We have to often choose between being selfish or putting someone else's needs ahead of our own. Sometimes we have to say "no" to great opportunities or miss out on something we would enjoy, in order to do the right thing.
The dilemmas we face are usually between work/hobbies and family...and other times they are decisions that test our faith and reveal the importance we place on pleasing God.
The world is always pressuring us to seek our own pleasures, but ultimately when it comes down to decision-making and being where we need to be, we must be aligned with God.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) tells us, "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Even beyond pleasing our family, we should desire to do God’s will and listen to the direction He’s pointing us. Each of us can allow God to transform our thinking and empower us to be selfless, as we learn to say "yes" to the right things - even when it costs us something.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would give me a heart that is willing to seek You. Please help me know the right decisions to make and avoid making selfish decisions. Teach me how to put others ahead of myself, while ultimately pleasing You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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