Genesis 8:9

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

There’s no feeling much better than seeing a well-struck golf ball leave the face of our club, fly in its intended target and land on the correct yardage number. Noah sent out the raven and the dove out of the ark. Some say the raven was representative of the law and, thus, did not return after introduced to man. The dove represented the gospel as it was sent unto man as a type of peace offering for man. The law provided no peace and, thus, the olive branch was an offering for rest and mercy. Noah sent out the dove to ascertain whether the flood waters had receded from earth. However, the dove stayed away home so long, Moses had to put forth his hand and “pull her into the ark.” Sometimes we are on the straight and narrow road then find ourselves straying away from our intended purpose. Like the dove, the believer is sent out unto the world for a purpose – to proclaim the undeniable saving grace and mercy available through Jesus Christ. While we are on our journey, we find rest among the world, enjoy a cup of coffee, and we quickly find ourselves worn out from the detour. This may sound like an elementary school riddle, but why did the dove fly away? The answer, of course, is because she has wings. Without the wings, the dove could not make journey and serve her intended purpose. We as believers have wings and freedom of movement. Just as with the dove, our wings can allow us to grow tired as we journey upon this land because of its current condition. When we grow weary or our flight strays from the path, we have a Savior who reaches out His hand and pulls us safety back into His presence. Our golf balls may not follow the path that we intend as we release the club on the downswing. Thankfully, however, our Savior does not give up the hunt for us no matter how deep the grass we find ourselves!