Got G.A.M.E?

Chris:

I am a golfer. I will golf anytime, any course and with almost anyone. But I am a golfer with G.A.M.E.  Allow us to explain.

G is for Green Jacket.  In golf, the Green Jacket is awarded to the winner of the Masters.  In our marriage, I think of the Green Jacket as our wedding day.  While I didn’t actually wear a green jacket, I was a true winner the day Michelle said, “I do.”   There are only 53 men lucky enough to wear the coveted jacket.  Considering that 90-100 people compete each year over the last 83 years, there’s no wonder these jackets are so special.  Similarly, when I consider that in the 3.9 billion men in the world, Michelle picked me, you can see why I am a winner.

Michelle:

A is for Aim.  A golfer can purchase many items to help improve their aim.  But, for a husband and wife, the best way to improve aim cannot be bought.  Aim, for a husband and wife must be communicated.  How do you know if you have your eyes on the same prize unless you are asking questions, listening to one another and adjusting as needed?    

Chris:

M is for Mulligan.  A mulligan allows a golfer to recover from embarrassing shots and keep the game moving; a golfer’s do-over.  We have had to take a mulligan a time or two in our marriage.  For example, we tend to be at odds over my insistence on arriving early and Michelle’s habit of being on-time-ish.  I will typically call her from the car.  Our conversation goes like this:

ME: (loud and harsh tone)“We need to go, now!” 

MICHELLE: (sing-song tone) “Almost ready.”

ME: (sarcasm and a hint of disgust tone) “Maybe if you put your phone away, you could have been ready ten minutes ago.”

MICHELLE: (sticky sweet tone) “If I didn’t have my phone, how could we have this lovely conversation.”

While my frustration at the possibility of being late is okay, my harsh and sarcastic tone with Michelle was not.  We need a mulligan.  My harsh and sarcastic tone will almost always put Michelle on the defensive.  While she may not have demonstrated her frustration in the conversation, her crossed arms and refusal to look at me when she walked out to the car, screamed DO-OVER!  Taking a mulligan allows us that opportunity.

Michelle:

E is for Etiquette.  In golf, Etiquette is a set of guidelines to promote proper behavior on the golf course.  Our marriage needs Etiquette too.  Being kind, polite, and gentle with our spouse communicates that they are valued and valuable.  No matter what your favorite sport is, playing as a team, keeping your eye on the prize and following the rules are ultimately the recipe for success. Jack Benny got it right when he said, “Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.”