Family Guys

Most of us need lessons to play golf well. Or at all.

Pro golfers of this era appear to be giving us a different kind of lesson. And an unexpected one at that.

The New York Times recently documented that which many followers of the game have already detected. The article is well titled, “On the Men’s Tour, It’s Always Fathers Day!” 

Yes, for male pro golfers, fatherhood and families … are in. But tandem to this message is one often forgotten in the work world: get your priorities straight. 

The article points to several glowing examples. Two of the most recent involved Phil Mickelson and Hunter Mahan. After Phil won the British Open, he immediately went to the embrace of not only his wife, but children as well. Then, when asked to take his photograph with the winner's trophy, Phil made it a family picture. But it goes deeper. Phil’s wife, Amy, has battled cancer. Phil has often devoted time away from the game to be with her.

Hunter Mahan took this family thing to the umpteenth level. With over a million dollars on the line, he withdrew from the Canadian Open while leading the tournament! Reason? His wife was about to deliver a baby. Like … really ready. So he dropped everything to be there for the arrival of his new little one. He can’t stop looking at the pictures.

Bubba Watson shows no lack of emotion in discussing family matters. And he surprised many when, after winning his first major championship, it was the SECOND best event of the year. First was the adoption of his son, Caleb.

Everyone who works full time knows the challenge of putting work in its place. Years ago, I was challenged by my greatest spiritual mentor to do two things: list my priorities … and define in writing how I would live them out. It was a powerful self-correcting exercise.

In the Christian life, men and women really have no excuse for prioritizing work to the detriment of family. Yet it’s so easy to do. And we often defend our position by saying we’re doing this neglect for the benefit of the family. 

The Bible is clear on this. Paul shares this life lesson to his protégé Timothy:
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 

If you want to be an above par provider, best to prioritize doing what’s needed to keep the family together. Something we can all learn from the pros.

And that’s the way WE work. For Moody Radio, I’m Mark Elfstrand.

Check mornings.fm for audio of my comments today.