New Beginnings Sometimes Wear Golf Shoes

Michelle’s golf bag purchased years before breast cancer diagnosis.

There are moments in life when an invitation is about so much more than the event itself.

Recently, a dear friend invited us to join her for a charity golf scramble. My friend and I are beginners, which somehow made saying "yes" a little less intimidating.

Truth be told, I've only golfed few times in my life.

Years ago, I bought a set of clubs with every intention of learning the game. Like many things, life got busy, and those clubs eventually found a quiet corner in our barn where they've patiently waited ever since.

When my friend extended the invitation, I smiled…and then wondered if I was too late to learn something new.

Almost immediately, another thought came to mind.

Why would it be too late?

I've been thinking a lot about this season of life. Retirement is no longer something far off in the distance. It's close enough that Doug and I have started talking about what these next years might look like.

More than anything, I want them to be years of purpose, curiosity, laughter, and time spent together.

Maybe golf will become one of those things.

Maybe it won't.

But I've learned that sometimes saying yes is less about the activity and more about being willing to let God lead you into something unexpected.

As I pulled my clubs out of the barn, I noticed something I hadn't thought.

My golf bag supports breast cancer research.

When I bought it, I didn't know anyone personally who had breast cancer. In fact, I never imagined I would one day be carrying that bag as a survivor myself.

I stood there for a moment and just smiled.

God has a way of weaving our stories together in ways we could never imagine.

What once represented compassion for someone else's journey has quietly become part of my own.

This week I ordered my first real golf shoes, a white skirt, and a glove.

I felt a little like a little girl getting ready for the first day of school.

Excited.

A little nervous.

Wondering if everyone else would know what they were doing.

Then I laughed.

One of the beautiful things about getting older is realizing you don't have to be good at something to enjoy it. You don't have to know everything before you begin. Sometimes you simply take the next step and trust that it's enough.

Scripture reminds us,

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" — Isaiah 43:19

I've always loved that verse because it reminds me to keep my eyes open. God is always at work, often in the ordinary moments we almost overlook.

Who knew a dusty golf bag, a pair of new shoes, and a Friday night invitation from friends could become one of those moments?

I have no idea whether golf will become part of our retirement story.

But I do know this.

I'm grateful I said yes.

Sometimes the sweetest blessings begin with a simple invitation.

Explore the pieces that accompanied this new beginning in The House Edit Golf Collection.

The House is Open.

Thank you for spending a little time here today.

Every story is richer when it's shared.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, your experiences, or what this season of life is teaching you. If this story resonated with you, I hope you'll add your voice in the comments below. If you'd like to continue the conversation and receive future stories by email, I invite you to join the House of LaFleur conversation.

The House is Open. Welcome in.