The Game of Life

Recognize this?  LIFE!!  One of my favorite games ever :)  Our family broke it out today for some fun.  We'd never played with V before, so interesting to see his choices and reactions as we went along.  My kids think that I overanalyze things and they are probably right.  But, that is how my brain works.  So, yep, I experienced the game on a new level today....

A lot about this game is pretty realistic - some choices with consequences (college gives more occupation options and salaries, for example), some celebrations, some natural disasters.  Many things are not - everyone HAS to follow one of the paths, get married, buy a house, etc.  I guess what struck me today, though, was the key difference (in my opinion) between the game and the real thing.  The goal of the game is to end with the most money. Period.  (Though I admit that MY goal was always to try to fill the car with kids and need a second! Haha!)  Got me thinking.

I have many friends who try to follow Jesus.  I have many friends who do not.  I doubt that any would agree with the above goal in real life when it comes down to it.  Not really....

Ultimately, the "game" ends with retirement.  But, regardless of faith beliefs, we all agree that is not the case in reality.  Either death is the end or eternity is, but in each of these, that money will do no good whatsoever. If I'm dead, how do I win even though I have millions? So, money at the end doesn't make sense as a goal for us.

What is the goal of life, then?  For followers of Jesus - to live and love as He did more and more?  Well, He focused on the poor, those who were outcast, children.....  He died with what?  And did He "appear" to win?  Sure didn't look like it.  Hmmmm....  Makes me think.

For those who aren't followers of Jesus, what goal would get you up and moving each day - give a purpose for pushing through the tough times?  Healthy living and exercise?  Security of a nice home with A/C and utilities  - haha-  we saw how reliable those are during the recent storm :P  How about a college education and stable job? What is stable anyway? Is the goal just to die without being uncomfortable or in pain?  Having as much fun and pleasure as possible while we are able?  Is it to do as much to help others as we can with the time we have?

I have more questions than answers, really I do.  But, when I see the faces of children who are sick, dying, without families to love them; when I watch a child who has suffered begin to blossom and grow; when I see that occur over and over in the lives of friends who adopt...then I look around me and see more than we need, so much more than we need, our family and friends and neighbors and country...it impresses upon me that life is NOT a game - especially for those who don't have the choices that some of us do.

With a game, we finish, congratulate the winner, and pack it up.  Move on to the next activity!

Life is much harder - we DO get to choose.  Every day.  Every moment.  What will I do right now with what I have?  My time, energy, money, affection?  I think that we win when we share the life that we have with others.  I wonder if the more we give and the more we share, the more we actually live and really win.....

If you read my blog - a couple of you do :) - you know that one way that I choose to use my time, energy, money, and affection is with children who need a family.  I hope that on the day that my game is over, I am still doing just that!  I may not be able to adopt, give money to, or teach every needy child - but I can spend each day seeing just how many I can reach.  I think that is one way to really win at life.  Anyone want to join me??  Boy do I have some kids and families for you if so!!  Just say the word and off we go!  Game on!!!