Chess

When I was about 11 years old my father taught me the game of chess. I was so excited to learn this game that I had spent my life watching him play. He began by teaching me the roll and importance of each piece, basic moves and defenses and even a couple of traps that could win the game in 5 or 6 moves. Soon we were playing ‘real’ games. I lost every single game. When he saw that I was becoming discouraged he reassured me that I was playing well and it could be years before I would be able to beat him in a game of chess. His expectation for me was to lose at this game for years? Yes. “And when you win your first game, I’ll take you to your favorite restaurant to celebrate.” He knew how to motivate me! I won my first game within a year.

Learning how to win a game of chess was important. Learning how to lose a game of chess was priceless. It takes some maturity to lose gracefully and set the pieces back up to try again. My father taught me that losing the game did not diminish my worth in his eyes. He was always proud when I set the pieces back up to try again. He was a good daddy. When I think about God as being my father I have a good frame of reference. I realize that not everyone has that. But you do have a God that loves you dearly.

God knows that this life is difficult. He sees us make the wrong moves all the time. But that will never diminish our worth in his eyes. God is there to encourage you to always pick up the pieces and start again. It is from our mistakes and by God’s grace that we mature and grow.  May you find rest in his Presence whenever you feel defeated.

See you Sunday!
Missy