Thank you, Jack from La Crosse1. This past Saturday, I enjoyed the beautiful, clear, sunny, and warm afternoon by going out and throwing a round of eighteen at my local disc golf course. I suppose I should quickly mention that I am also extremely grateful for the sport of disc golf. I honestly think it has saved my life multiple times, and I can also honestly say that I am a better person today at least in part due to disc golf. I am sure I will talk about that subject more at a later point in time; it will tell, so we shall see… eventually.
For today, though, Jack was a wonderful teacher and temporary friend for me on that afternoon. Maybe he will be more than only a temporary friend, but time will tell there, too. I played the first four-ish holes on my own, and then we quickly partnered up due to congestion on the course, so I would say that we played approximately fourteen to fifteen holes together depending on how you look at it. Having never met before, we nearly-instantly gelled and coalesced into a balanced flow together. I have a favorite comment from the experience that stands out as he keenly observed my gameplay throughout. After I casually missed yet another close putt, he said something along the lines of “man, you’ve missed like 4 or 5 strokes by only about 4 or 5 inches in total.” That thought had not really crossed my mind because I try to stay in each moment and only that moment as it happens. However, as I briefly recounted and reflected, I realized he was probably quite close to right – perhaps a bit hyperbolic but nearly on point… a lot like my putts…
Sometimes, the smallest imbalance can make all the difference. In this case, tiny factors that were off-kilter cost me an extra stroke each time. Finding that perfect balance can improve my game; it can improve my life. Balance is a key; it unlocks so much potential.
Thank you again, Jack. While I often enjoy my solo rounds in peaceful solitude, that day’s company was much appreciated. As far as I am concerned, you are both a scholar and a gentleman. I wish all of the best for you and your family. I heard someone say recently that anyone and anything can teach us if we are open and receptive to receiving it. There was a monk who was meditating in India when a cat kept disturbing him. It frustrated2 him at first. When he finally flowed with the cat, all was well. I learn plenty from my cats, too, but I will talk about them and express my extreme thankfulness for them in a future post, so please do not worry for meow. Maybe it wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.
There is a subtle nuance to this Thanksday that I choose to openly acknowledge for transparent balance. I do not need to make each of these posts about someone famous or well-known based on current events. I can write a post about another decent, random human being who showed up and put their best foot forward. After all, can you only listen or learn if the name is recognizable? If so, then you were completely missing the point of this post earlier. Teachers can come in all shapes and sizes if you are but ready to be the eager student. There is an element or level of balance to this realization, too; all existing lives are balanced in the end. We are all deserving and worthy of our Thanksday.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.