The Game of Life
Recently Hannah planned a party for the family in our basement. There was popcorn, pizza, pretzels, sweet tea (the nectar of the gods), karaoke, and a movie. We also played "The Game of Life" or "Life". Afterwards, we talked for a minute about how real life isn't really like the game. The "How to Win" section reads, "After all players have retired, all players at Millionaire Estates count their money... The player with the highest total value wins!". Fun game, faulty principle.
Today I've reflected on some ways in which real life is like "The Game of Life", and others in which it is not.
1. Life is not a game to be won or lost. Not that I don't live as though it were most of the time, but deep inside I know that's not the the way it's supposed to be. Our lives are stories to be told, not games to be played. I went through picking up a house, a career (actually two), and plenty of money (oh yeah I kicked butt :), but where were the stories. Why didn't I have kids? Why did I choose to jump into a career, instead of going to college? Did I regret that decision? If we live as though our lives are a game to be won, then the other blue and pink people in our lives just become pieces that gain or cost us ground in the game.
2. Real life is like the game, in that it often seems like we are where we are in life based on the luck of the spin. Most of the game, it didn't seem like I had much choice, but rather was at the mercy of the spin. Of course, from a theological perspective this isn't true. My life isn't the result of random acts, but a carefully ochestrated arrangement by Almighty God. Nevertheless, we often don't see from that perspective. The truth is, I'm not really in control (as much as I would like that to be different).
3. You don't have to wind up in Millionaire Estates to win. For instance, Caleb was the only one who retired in Countryside Acres (apparently leaving much to be desired in the retirement ammenities), but was very happy. He kept talking and talking about how much he really loved having twins. Unfortunately, one of the twins took a horrible fall off of a cliff (or basement bar stool). I guess there are some stories in the game. Anyway, joy is to be found in the everyday of life (family, jobs, recreation, worship, friends, etc.). I miss this point most of the time, missing the holy of the now, by gazing longingly to the future for Millionaire Estates.
Oh well. I guess the game isn't supposed to be thought about so deeply. Have a great day!
Today I've reflected on some ways in which real life is like "The Game of Life", and others in which it is not.
1. Life is not a game to be won or lost. Not that I don't live as though it were most of the time, but deep inside I know that's not the the way it's supposed to be. Our lives are stories to be told, not games to be played. I went through picking up a house, a career (actually two), and plenty of money (oh yeah I kicked butt :), but where were the stories. Why didn't I have kids? Why did I choose to jump into a career, instead of going to college? Did I regret that decision? If we live as though our lives are a game to be won, then the other blue and pink people in our lives just become pieces that gain or cost us ground in the game.
2. Real life is like the game, in that it often seems like we are where we are in life based on the luck of the spin. Most of the game, it didn't seem like I had much choice, but rather was at the mercy of the spin. Of course, from a theological perspective this isn't true. My life isn't the result of random acts, but a carefully ochestrated arrangement by Almighty God. Nevertheless, we often don't see from that perspective. The truth is, I'm not really in control (as much as I would like that to be different).
3. You don't have to wind up in Millionaire Estates to win. For instance, Caleb was the only one who retired in Countryside Acres (apparently leaving much to be desired in the retirement ammenities), but was very happy. He kept talking and talking about how much he really loved having twins. Unfortunately, one of the twins took a horrible fall off of a cliff (or basement bar stool). I guess there are some stories in the game. Anyway, joy is to be found in the everyday of life (family, jobs, recreation, worship, friends, etc.). I miss this point most of the time, missing the holy of the now, by gazing longingly to the future for Millionaire Estates.
Oh well. I guess the game isn't supposed to be thought about so deeply. Have a great day!
posted by Jeff Rogers at
3/18/2008 10:46:00 AM
1 Comments
