Games

4/7/09 Games of Life
Our family has an affinity for games, especially word games. These games are often most enjoyed not because of the ease or fun but rather because of the challenge. There is also the competitive element that can enter into the fun----though that is not my preferred part. In most of our favorite games, there seems to be somewhat of a joy in the hardship of figuring things out. It's always done in the context of the rules but when resolution finally occurs, we all appreciate the challenge.

We can make a game out of anything. Traditionally, the night before the first day of school, all three of our kids would have to find their school supplies by following the clues for the “hunt.” Recently, when Josh and Molly were in Dallas for my surgery, they created a similar scavenger/treasure hunt for Buddy’s boys. They too loved the challenge and worked together for the to expedite the "find."

Each summer at the beach we “Boggle” or “Scrabble” at night with our old standby favorites or sometimes we add a new game to our repertoire. In the mornings, we spend time with our pseudo friend, Will Shortz. Though we wouldn’t know his face, we know his style. The Liles wordsmiths begin the day, with coffee or tea in hand, huddled around his New York Times crossword puzzle. Pencils in hand as well. Always pencils because Mr. Shortz is a master of clues. A clue once listed for confident was “one who works this with a pen.” We could never do that with one of his puzzles.

We are sticklers for rules in the games we play---we all have to be on the same page. Many a fray has resulted in croquet matches or Scrabble games so we pack the rules and the crossword and Scrabble dictionaries right alongside the swimsuits. That’s why daily crosswords are good---you can’t “cheat” by looking in the back.

Rules are good. God has given us rules for life in His Word.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
His rules allow us to live fulfilled lives.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) Just as word handling is important in board games, it’s extremely important with His word.
Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13) God provides the trump card that enables us to do it---His grace.
Playing by God’s rules doesn’t take away anything from the game/dance of life, it adds meaning and purpose to it---that sense of accomplishment that comes from a life well lived. By His rules, for His glory. Don’t cheat yourself by trying to shortcut God’s plan----living life your way is your game, not His.

I usually take the CA crossword puzzle to bed with me at night. Worries from the day seem to take a backseat when I’m trying to solve “one across and one down.” Similarly, life’s big concerns dissipate when I’m focused on the cross---that vertical relationship with Him and that horizontal relationship with others.

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Timothy 6:18-19) That "life indeed" is a life of abunDANCE with him now and forever--when our time on earth blinks, “GAME OVER.”