The Game of Life

In the game of life, even with the best laid plans, things going awry isn’t just a possibility – it’s a probability.  It’s how we change the game plan that determines whether we turn it into a touchdown or a turnover.  Here’s the play-by-play of our recent weekend watching our twin 8-year-old nieces:

Game plan: Going for a big explore in a nearby park and checking out the new playground equipment

Actual play: 3 days straight of rain

Punt: Crafts and having a tea party and fashion show with our daughters’ old dolls

Game plan: Swimming at Papa’s pool

Actual play: 3 days straight of rain

Punt: Swimming in the rain – take that, rain clouds!

Game plan: Cooking a nacho dinner topped off with Funfetti cupcakes made with the girls

Actual play: 3 days straight of rain PLUS tornado sirens screaming and rotation spotted 5 miles away

Punt: Grabbing water and whatever was handy in the fridge, the dolls, games, and at the girls’ request, a roll of toilet paper and a bucket  (just in case), and having a picnic/game night in the basement

We all survived intact and the twins were safely delivered back to their parents with lots of great memories.  But it did remind us that in the game of life, flexibility is everything.

JULIE

Just like babysitting, our marriage requires A LOT of flexibility.  This isn’t always easy. I am a perfectionist and John thrives on  organization and checklists.  We’ve both learned to bend a bit when things don’t go as planned – or when one of us is pretty set on doing one thing and the other has a totally different scenario in mind. 

When my evening zoom call was cancelled, I saw it as an opportunity to get some extra sleep after not sleeping well the previous night.  John saw it as an opportunity for romance and lovemaking.  My being flexible and choosing the romance/lovemaking option set us up to score a big touchdown in our relationship.  We were more playful and affectionate for several days afterwards. This joy far outweighed the benefit of getting an extra hour of sleep.

JOHN

When our plans don’t align, I have a choice to make.  I can discuss and debate and push my agenda, or I can be flexible and consider Julie’s point of view.  When Julie suggested we repaint our bedroom a bright yellow, which is her favorite color, I have to admit it was not my first choice.  However, when I chose to be flexible and agreed to Julie’s plan, our home improvement project became more enjoyable and the end result was harmony (and a beautiful room).  Choosing to be flexible isn’t easy, but consistently proves to be positive for our relationship.

So… touchdown or turnover? Choose to be flexible to gain better field position and ultimately win the game!