As a pioneer, there are books, videos, etc. with tips from him. There is one tip that I’d like to share with you that is attributed to Arnold Palmer. It is a tip that has saved me countless strokes.
He said, “I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone's golf game: it's called an eraser.”
Even though it is only Wednesday, I am fairly certain that when the Ryder Cup (that’s a team golf event pitting the United States verses Europe) begins on Friday, they will observe a moment of silence in memory of the great Arnold Palmer and what he meant to the game of golf.
And, I would venture to say, that during that moment of silence, people will be...silent. Maybe a bird will chirp or there may be some other noise that can’t be controlled: but for the most part, the people gathered will be silent as they reflect and remember a man who gave so much to the game of golf.
As I reflect on this probability, I can’t help but see similarities to a special “moment of silence” we observe each and every Sunday. You know, Jesus gave so much for us...and not just for golfers, but for everyone.
So when we reflect and remember a man who gave so much for us by participating in the Lord’s Supper, how does our attitude compare? Are we more somber and serious for a man who has died than we are for our Lord who died, yet rose again?
How do we spend those few moments? Do we spend them reflecting on what we have to do that afternoon? Do we sorrowfully mourn that the weekend is almost over?
Or do we spend that time reflecting on our Lord’s love that prompted Him to leave heaven and come to earth for the express purpose of suffering and dying for us? Do we, perhaps tearfully, mourn His innocent loss of life and what his death, burial, and resurrection means for us?
Paul is very direct in instructing the Corinthians on how they (and we) were (and are) to observe the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-32).
In verse 26, Paul tells us why proper observance of the Lord’s Supper is so important. He says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
I challenge you to observe a “moment of silence” this Sunday, as you participate in the communion, to remember and reflect on the One who has done and continues to do so very much for you.