by Annie Warner Donnelly
Feb. 24, 2025 – Hello Everyone. I know it’s too early to golf, but here’s an illustration. In golf, they call it a mulligan; it’s a shot that is replayed from the spot of the previous shot without a penalty. It’s used when the previous shot, for some reason, went where it wasn’t supposed to go. The hole is then played and scored as if the first shot had never been made.
The term mulligan seems to have originated from a locker room attendant who worked at a golf club during the 1930s. John A. ‘Buddy’ Mulligan, was known for replaying shots, particularly on the first tee.
Mulligans are not allowed in official golf games. One or two mulligans may be allowed per person, in friendly games, if all parties agree.
A mulligan is really just forgiveness for making a bad shot; it provides an opportunity for us to try again. Doesn’t that sound like something God does for us in real life?
The Bible says that God’s mercies are new every morning. Frankly, I’m grateful to know this; I’m grateful to know I can have a new start every morning and sometimes more than once through the day.
When we fail to get things right and fall into temptation and end up in sin, we can trust the words in 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
How many mulligans does God give to us? As many as we need to get it right the next time and the first time after that.
What a relief! What a blessing!
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are new creations in Christ. Does this mean we’re perfect? No. Does it mean that, in Christ, we can be forgiven? Yes!
God never leaves us nor forsakes. Does He like it when we sin? No.
Does God leave us when we sin? No.
Does God still love us when we sin? Yes!
Let’s give mulligans to each other just like God gives them to us. Amen.
When Someone “Just Don’t Get It”
Feb. 23, 2025- Is there someone in your life who drives you crazy because they “just don’t get it?” Perhaps it is a partner, parent, child, friend or co-worker. They simply are not on the same wavelength, and no matter how much you hint, cajole, lecture, explain or plead, they just do not see things the way you do.
This can indeed be frustrating, but there is another side to the issue. When we view someone in this way, it really means we are judging them. We are saying our way is better, correct, or more evolved than their way.
Further, we are saying we are smarter, more astute, more in tune, more aware or more evolved than they are. The problem is, this is not a very evolved way of thinking and being. It actually could be perceived as being arrogant, disdainful, and lacking in understanding and compassion. An evolved person would not demonstrate these qualities.
Everyone has a different background, different experiences, and different levels of emotional intelligence or intellect. Expecting others to be like us is recipe for disappointment. Getting angry with them because they are not like us can be like being angry with a blind person because they cannot see.
Ideally, if we are on a path of personal growth and are choosing to be conscious, then we would aim to accept our differences and to see the good in others. We would attempt to understand their point of view and the reasons for their actions and behaviors. Further, if we are respectful of them, they may be more open to seeing a different point of view (ours).
Sometimes people get into relationships with one who quite different. They then proceed to try to “renovate” that person to suit their view of what a partner should be like. Conflict is the outcome.
If the words and behaviors of the other are abusive or demeaning, then of course it is fine to move on, or have little, if anything to do with them. This can still be an evolved course of action, so long as we do not rant about how stupid they are, or gossip to all who will listen about our negative impressions, but rather simply bless them and move on.
Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning psychologist. For permission to reprint this article, or to obtain books, audio recordings or to read other articles visit www.gwen.ca. Follow Gwen on Facebook for inspiration.