Games

One of my favorite things to do in life is playing games. Work, money and relationships can be stressful, but games are an escape from all of that. I like board games, outdoor games, video games and sporting games. Games can be played with anyone at any age, with or without skill, and no matter if you win or lose, you still benefit from the ultimate goal of having fun.

Right now there is one game that tops the list for my enjoyment. It started with Yatzee and playing Gin Rummy with my grandma, but with the added pleasure of stacking chips before your opponents, Texas Hold Em' Poker has become my choice game for life. With the ability to learn and make choices based on your cards and your opponents behaviors the game is not just a game of chance anymore, although a little luck kicks in sometimes.

As I sit at a table with friends that I have played with for years now I find that the fun of playing hands and betting chips has become competitive. We wouldn't have it any other way though, when there is a prize to be won, it's all or nothing. There is pressure to play but win or lose we all are friends again in the end and look forward to the next poker night.

There is something to be said about games and life that are both similar and different. While life finds many ways to stress and discourage the heart, games on the other hand bring out relief and joy from those places in the heart that are so crowded by life. Sometimes life hurts relationships we share with people close to us, and games help bring them closer together in ways never imagined. Other times games can be competitive, working against another team but families come together in times of trouble.

What if in life, like in a game of poker, you were taken advantage of and you lost a bunch of chips? What would you naturally do then? Would you walk away from the table and leave all that you have worked for ? Would you take the hit and focus on being more competitive? Would you go All-In willing to risk it all for your own good? What if in life, you did everything that you were Not suppose to do in a game? What if you just gave all you had to the person who just took half of all you had your heart on?

Have you ever heard that Life is not a game? Then if thats true you may want to take this to heart......

Jesus said, "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.....

Life is truly not a game and people are not our competitors. God made us all the same and we all have one goal and purpose working together to glorify our creator. The part of life that Is like a game though is the end prize.

.....then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6)

Now that's the game of life I want to play