Where Is the Garden of Eden?  

   One can imagine it in Augusta, Georgia, home of the famous golf course and host of the annual Masters tournament, now underway. 

   We lived for about eight years just over the state line, with several opportunities to watch golfers on practice days. We saw Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer up close. Thanks to a friend, Mrs. Donut was able to attend one of the rounds...while I was at work, par for the course.   

   Most amazing was our first visit, walking from ordinary Augusta streets onto the grounds of Augusta National, which is hidden by trees. This is a hint of leaving fickle earth and arriving in glorious heaven. 

   We started from the first tee and covered all 18 fairways so as not to miss anything. On future visits we might sit by a glassy pond with hundreds of azaleas on the banks, and let the golfers come to us. Less tiring. 

   Wealthy members of the club hire excellent groundskeepers who attend to every blade of grass, every grain of white sand in the bunkers, and all trees and shrubs. They have underground pipes to fool mother nature with whatever heat is needed - or not - so the flowers blossom exactly on Masters week. They shut the course down for the summer, to pamper it.  

   It's not Eden. It's not there for average people. But we can admire Augusta for what it is. Golfers must be invited to play there. 

   We are invited to a more glorious realm, where everyone is victorious. We will see our Savior up close, and he will know our names.

        Jimmy