There is a moment at the end of every Masters golf tournament just after the winning putt is made, where the shell shocked winner walks off the 18th green and into the arms of his family. There are tears, hugs and joyful celebration. It’s one of my favorite moments in sports. You see, the Masters isn’t just any golf tournament. It is the Super Bowl of golf. The tournament everyone wants to win and no one wants to miss. This, apparently, includes Tiger Woods.
I will admit it. I have never been a Tiger Woods fan. I have cheered against every shot, putt and signature fist pump. It’s just not fun to watch the same person win every week and so I choose to cheer for him to lose. I realize that until a few months ago, I was in the minority there. A few months ago, it became normal to not be a Tiger Woods fan.
When I first heard the news of Tiger’s infidelity, I immediately said, “I knew I didn’t like him for a good reason!” Then a friend of mine said something that has stuck with me and taught me a very important lesson. He said, “Be careful Wes, would you have said the same thing about me?”
He had cheated on his wife in the past.
I wouldn’t have said the same thing about him. I would have prayed in earnest for him and his marriage. I would have hoped that his wife forgave him and that God would restore his marriage. I didn’t hope the same thing for Tiger. I didn’t pray for him or his marriage. There was no grace extended.
This year at the Masters there is going to be intense focus on Tiger as he plays in his first tournament this year. All eyes are going to be on him, not only to see every swing of the club but to see how he reacts to the pressure of everything being out on the table for all to see and know.
What if he wins? What if he sinks the putt on the 18th to win and walks off the green and the person he hurt the most is standing there with arms open wide ready for the “moment”. What an amazing picture of grace that would be.
It makes me wonder how many times God has done the same for me. Opened up his arms to accept me after I cheated him.
The only limit on grace is how much you withhold.
Go Tiger.
