Wisdom on the Front Nine
Four of us enjoy nine holes of golf on Saturday mornings –
early! We usually try and tee off by
7:00 a.m. In that way, we have a great time and still have most of the day for
family and other activities.
I like these guys. We
are comfortable together, usually encouraging each other when we slice or hit
two or three into the water! There’s the
occasional ribbing and competition that makes it fun and although we don’t play
for money, inwardly we all keep track of the scores and who’s performing the
best that morning!
Our conversations are usually short. A few words about our families, work, church,
sports, cars and of course golf. Some
grunts, grins and laughs, some words that are best left on the course, but not
many deep conversations – that just doesn’t happen often on the golf course,
especially when walking.
But a few weeks ago I went out on a limb. I thought “what the heck.” These guys seem to have good marriages, I
wonder why. So I asked one of the
foursome, “Give me your recipe for a good marriage?”
It was like Leonard had been waiting for that question,
because he jumped on it!
“I see three things” he said (but later amended it to four!).
1.
Communication – You’ve got to take time to communicate
and talk. Let her talk and really
listen. Share with each other about
everything or soon you won’t have anything to talk about and then you grow
apart.”
2.
Sweat the Details – The little things are
important. If she likes the toilet seat
down, put it down. If it’s your turn to
do the dishes, do them. Find those
little insignificant things and make sure that’s part of what you do.
3.
Respect – Lastly he said that we need to respect
our wives, their interests, their time, hobbies, thoughts and ideas.
Not too bad for a bunch of “duffers” out on a Saturday
morning!
P.S. The next Saturday morning, we were back at the golf
course. Leonard confided once more in
me. “You know,” he whispered, “I spoke
about this to my wife. She says I forgot
one – trust!” Trust, yes,
essential. What a great way to finish
the morning!
