It’s both a joy and a great responsibility to be given a few minutes in a worship service to speak to children. With just 2½–3 minutes, every word matters. It must be clear, intentional, and developmentally appropriate. And whenever I can involve the whole congregation—not just the children—I count it as a win.

Because here’s the truth: The children need to see the faces of the adults who promised at their baptisms to help them grow in faith, and the adults need to see the faces of the children they vowed to support.

Last Sunday was Master’s Sunday here in Georgia, I shared a special message inspired by the The Masters Golf Tournament. Last year, Mr. Bob and I had the chance to attend on a Friday, and I’ll be honest—it was one of my favorite days ever. A spring day at Augusta National Golf Club belongs on every Southerner’s bucket list.

Yes, we talked about the famous egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches. We talked about the peach ice cream sandwiches. And we noticed all the colors—yellow, pink, white, blooming azaleas, and every shade of green imaginable.

But what always catches my eye isn’t only the golfers. It’s the caddies.

The caddies are dressed in white, wearing green caps, walking closely behind or beside their golfer whose name is on the caddy’s upper back. They carry the heavy clubs, hand over the right tool at the right time, and offer wisdom based on knowing the course. They encourage, guide, and remind the player to keep their eyes on the flag.

It struck me how much that looks like the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit who encourages us, guides us, offers wisdom, reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus.

And then there’s the little pencil with no eraser. We don’t need to erase our past or pretend life hasn’t happened. God is always working through every moment of our story even when we land in the water, land in the sand bunker, land in the woods, and between the trees. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Give away: golf pencils for all!

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:23