There's only one north you can always find, one map you can never leave. It is the privilege and mystery of a personal, intimate connection with the One who is the only Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6).
In news which shocks absolutely no one, Tiger Woods won again yesterday. For the third straight year, Mr. Woods won the Buick Invitation golf tournament. He has now won seven straight PGA events, a roll which leaves him short only of Byron Nelson's 11-win streak in 1945. Mr. Nelson's feat was once considered the most untouchable record in sports. But that was before Mr. Woods became perhaps the greatest golfer in history.
I was living in Atlanta and was privileged to be at the Masters when Mr. Woods first won his favorite tournament. As long as I live, I'll be able to tell the story of that magical event. Since that time, it seems that everything which happens in golf is measured in relation to Tiger. Since I play golf spelled backwards, I can only wonder at such skill.
Meanwhile, today's Dallas Morning News is reporting on the "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" phenomenon. You may have heard the claim: every actor knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows Kevin Bacon.
Yesterday, Mr. Bacon discussed the game with George Stephanopolous on ABC's "This Week." He used to think that the joke would "go the way of eight-track cassettes and pet rocks," but it hasn't. So he and the nonprofit Network for Good have started a website, Sixdegrees.org. The site makes it possible to search more than 1 million charities, learning which are supported by celebrities. The goal is to get you to donate to the causes which your favorite actor supports.
It's hard to navigate if you don't know which way is north. A map is essential for traveling in unknown regions. When Alexander the Great died, his generals discovered to their dismay that their leader had led them off all known maps. He was sure of his direction, but now they had none. If you've ever been lost, you know the feeling.
There's only one north you can always find, one map you can never leave. It is the privilege and mystery of a personal, intimate connection with the One who is the only Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). In discussing this relationship, Abraham Joshua Heschel warns: "The illusion of total intelligibility, the indifference to the mystery that is everywhere, the foolishness of ultimate self-reliance are serious obstacles on the way." The more we are self-reliant today, the less we will seek his direction, purpose, and presence. And the less we will find his joy.
You're one degree of separation from your Father. Why not close that gap right now?
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