This past weekend I attended an annual golf tournament that my college fraternity’s alumni association coordinates. I’ve been attending this event since its inception, and every year I check out of the resort extremely happy that I made the trip. There is nothing novel or unique about it. In late July, about 40 – 60 guys show up at the same resort outside of Orlando on a Friday, gather at the same bar all Friday night telling the same stories, golf all day Saturday, hang out Saturday night, and then go home on Sunday. Nothing to write home about. In fact, none of us are great golfers.
However, I bet I’ve caught up with 200 different guys over the last 11 years, and developed deeper friendships with the 25 or so regulars because of this get-together. We’re watching our kids grow up and our wives have developed friendships. It’s one of the best weekends of the year for me, but you know what? I get stressed about attending every year. Leading up to the event I think about all the other things I could be doing that weekend. I think about the fact that there are only a few weeks left before football season and the holidays – four months of chaos at the Peterson household. I think about the loads of work I could get done on that Friday and the many errands I could run all weekend. What’s the big deal? I saw those guys last year.
The big deal? I think you know the big deal or you wouldn’t have read this far. Reunions are few and far between – high school, college, and any other organization. Yes, you’re keeping in touch with the most important people in your life already, so why spend time with these random people you knew at one time? I’m not going to waste your time telling you why… you need to experience it for yourself. Stop reading this post and go register for one that might be in your inbox or commit to attending the next one that comes your way.