A Round of Golf, A Lesson in Gratitude - 스코어보다 값진 선물
Some rounds stay with you long after the final putt.
Today was one of them.
I played golf with a gentleman who is 74 years old. For nearly three years, he has kindly invited me to play at a beautiful golf course about once a month. Every invitation still feels like a gift.
He loves golf, and it shows.
Throughout the round, he kept everyone smiling.
Whenever one of us hit a good shot, he would joke with the caddie,
"Have you ever seen ladies who play this well?"
Then he would laugh and say,
"They play so well that even at my age, I have to fight for every shot today!"
That was who he is—competitive, but never intimidating. Encouraging, generous, and always making the people around him smile.
During the round, he shared something much deeper.
He quietly mentioned that about 30% of his friends from school have already passed away.
Then he added,
"I think I'll be able to enjoy golf until I'm about 80."
For a moment, I felt a little sad.
I replied, "I think you'll still be playing at 85."
He smiled.
Then he told me that one of the reasons he can still enjoy golf is because he faithfully does sit-ups and squats every day. He knows that keeping muscle is one of the keys to staying active.
His words made me reflect on myself.
Years ago, I spent about a month in the hospital. I was surprised by how quickly my muscles disappeared during that short time. Since then, I've realized that strength is not something we can take for granted.
These days, Ruby and Rich probably deserve much of the credit for keeping me healthy. They happily ask me to take them on walks three or four times every day. Without realizing it, they help me protect something that becomes more valuable every year—my health.
Later, one of our playing partners mentioned that some people leave this world much earlier than expected.
I smiled and said,
"Life doesn't follow an age order."
We all laughed.
But we also knew it was true.
That conversation reminded me that none of us knows how much time we have.
So perhaps the better question isn't "How long will I live?"
It's "How well will I live today?"
After the round, he kindly treated us to lunch at the clubhouse.
While we were eating, I looked at him and said,
"Every time you invite me to play golf, I feel as if I've won the lottery. Thank you so much."
Those words came straight from my heart.
The rainy season had already begun, and rain had been forecast until the day before. Yet somehow the skies cleared, and we enjoyed cool, comfortable weather all day.
Looking back, I realized that today's greatest gift wasn't my score.
It was the reminder to appreciate what I already have.
A healthy body.
Strong muscles that still allow me to walk the fairways.
Good friends.
Meaningful conversations.
And another beautiful day spent doing something I truly love.
Golf is often said to be a game of scores.
But sometimes, the greatest thing we bring home isn't written on the scorecard.
It's the wisdom we receive from good people who quietly remind us to be grateful for today.
One swing. One conversation. One more reason to be thankful.
KR Summary
스코어보다 값진 선물
오늘은 74세 지인과 함께 골프를 했다.
3년 가까이 한 달에 한 번씩 좋은 골프장에 초대해 주시는 참 고마운 분이다.
그분은 늘 캐디에게 웃으며 말씀하신다.
"이 여자들처럼 잘 치는 사람 봤어요?"
그리고는 농담처럼 덧붙이신다.
"이분들이 너무 잘 쳐서 내가 이 나이에 오늘도 죽기 살기로 골프 치네."
그 한마디에 모두가 웃는다.
라운드 중에는 조금 더 깊은 이야기도 나누었다.
학교 친구들의 30%가 이미 세상을 떠났고, 본인은 80세까지 골프를 칠 수 있으면 좋겠다고 담담하게 말씀하셨다.
그 이야기를 들으며 나도 많은 생각이 들었다.
나이가 들수록 근육을 지키는 것이 얼마나 중요한지, 그래서 지금도 매일 윗몸일으키기와 스쿼트를 꾸준히 하신다는 말씀도 인상 깊었다.
나 역시 예전에 입원하면서 근육이 빠지는 경험을 했기에 그 말이 더욱 마음에 와닿았다.
지금까지 건강을 유지할 수 있었던 것은 루비와 리지 덕분에 매일 여러 번 산책하며 몸을 꾸준히 움직인 덕분인지도 모른다.
함께한 후배가 "더 젊은 나이에 먼저 떠난 분들도 많다."고 하자 나는 웃으며 말했다.
"가는 데는 순서가 없습니다."
모두 웃었지만, 그 말은 삶의 진실이기도 했다.
그래서 오늘은 오래 사는 것보다 오늘을 건강하게 살아가는 것이 얼마나 소중한지 다시 생각하게 되었다.
라운드가 끝난 후에는 오늘은 특별히 클럽하우스에서 점심까지 사주셨다.
식사하며 나는 진심으로 말씀드렸다.
"한 달에 한 번 초대받아 함께 골프를 칠 때마다 로또에 당첨된 것처럼 행복합니다. 정말 감사합니다."
오늘은 골프를 즐길 수 있어서 감사했고, 좋은 사람들과 4시간 넘게 함께 걸으며 삶의 이야기를 나눌 수 있어서 더 감사했다.
골프는 스코어만 남는 운동이 아니라, 사람에게서 삶의 지혜를 배우는 시간이라는 것을 다시 한번 느꼈다.
무엇보다 오늘은 내 자신을 돌아보게 되었다.
지금 건강하게 걷고, 힘 있게 스윙할 수 있는 몸.
꾸준히 지켜온 근육.
그리고 좋은 사람들과 함께 웃을 수 있는 오늘.
이 모든 것이 결코 당연한 것이 아니라는 사실을 다시 한번 깨달았다.
오늘 내 마음은 감사로 가득했다.
스코어보다 더 값진 선물을 받은 하루였다.
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