Sunday, March 29, 2009

Tiger Woods

I'm watching the Arnold Palmer Invitational as I drift in and out of post-preaching consciousness. It's fun. Tiger is back. For me, golf is interesting again. Golf is great again. I wonder why this guy is so compelling. He just pulled ahead. The coverage is upstaging other programming at the top of the hour. I'm not sure a Tigerless tournament would do this. 

So how is this helpful? Well, I can ask, "How can I preach like Tiger Woods plays golf?" or, maybe better, "How can I live for Christ like Tiger Woods plays golf?" He's focused, serious, unflappable, and always seeking improvement. 

Also, the secret of Tiger Woods' success is really his dad. His dad, who passed away a few years ago, trained him to play golf well from the age of 3! Tiger Woods is in no way an overnight success or a "miracle" story. And we're just talking about golf: a game. There's a lesson here for Christian parents. 

2 comments:

  1. How many of us did not realize the Tiger in our midst, only to weep at the opportunity lost. A commodity that can never be regained, that relational moment in time never to be recaptured. Thank God He has a special place for those injured this way (Psalm 27:10). This is for those who call upon Him. I may not have agreed, except I see His hand and His eyes in His children. There is a family resemblance. I am grateful He has taken care of my lack for me and my father. Ah, now to live it.

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  2. Hi Pastor John,
    While you were writing about golf & parenting last night, my family was having a dinner table discussion regarding the major influences in children's lives. Everett was sharing with us some rather enlightening information that he learned at a youth ministry conference he attended last month. Here's the order of influencers in children's & teens' lives: parents, extended family, coaches, teachers, outside adults, peers, and lastly the media. It is both encouraging and somewhat daunting for Christian parents to know that they remain the most important influence in their children's lives, and they don't have to relinquish that impact to lesser sources.

    Your article reinforces this...thanks for sharing, especially after preaching six times during the weekend.

    Blessings,
    Jane

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