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The person who loves golf, particularly The Masters Golf Championship,
will recognize those words as the Jim Nantz' description of the CBS
coverage of the tournament. For several years, the ads begin running in
late February leading up to the first week in April when the greatest
golfers in the world assemble in Augusta, Georgia, to compete in the
greatest golf tournament in the world. The Masters Championship is not
only a tradition in itself, but the tournament is full of traditions.
The tournament traditions include the ceremonial legends of the game
serving as honorary starters by teeing off early on the first day of
the tournament. This year Arnold Palmer hit the first drive. Of course
the green jacket is a tradition like no other. The fact that the
tournament is often decided on the back nine on Sunday afternoon has
become a tradition. Amen Corner is a tradition. The beauty of the
azaleas and dogwoods is a tradition. Skipping the ball across the water
on the 16th hole during practice rounds has become tradition that
results in boos from the crowd if a golfer chooses not to participate.
For many patrons, planting themselves by the 16th green or the 18th
green is a tradition. Hearing Pat Summerall say, "CBS Sports proudly
presents the Masters!" to introduce the broadcast is a tradition.
Traditions are important in most areas of our lives. Our schools use
traditions to build school spirit. There are winning traditions and
losing traditions with sports teams. Families have food traditions,
vacation traditions, holiday traditions, wedding traditions,
anniversary traditions, and birthday traditions. Churches have
traditions. Even those who vow to be non-traditional develop their own
set of traditions. As best we can, we try to preserve our traditions.
The Masters: a tradition like no other. You don't mess with the
traditions of the Masters. Those who run the tournament do all within
their power to preserve the traditions of the Masters Tournament.
Some traditions are easily accepted as traditions and can be changed or
rejected or ignored with no risk of penalty. Then, there are those
traditions worth fighting to preserve. When it comes to your life, what
is the tradition that is like no other?
Allow me to offer a suggestion based on what Jesus said:
They change how we live!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and mind, and
strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.
When Jesus was asked what He considered as most important, this was His
response (Matthew 22:34-40). These are often called "The Greatest
Commands."
Adlands Prayerwarrior
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