Today's Game

Today's Game might not be today, but it will happen soon. I have no doubt.

I know this kid. He’s active. He’s happiest when running and jumping in a never-ever-gonna’-stop, catch-me-if-you-can (dare) attitude.

The Program.

Playground – with slides, swings, merry-go-rounds, and sand. It must NOT be well populated.

Park – with trees, grass, pathways, and rocks. It must have benches with at least one in the shade.

Preparation – An hour or so to hide the tokens/chips/gems, well, whatever you want to call them. (They’re poker chips but I’m building mystery here.) 

Plan. 

• I sit on that bench - the one in the shade.
• The ‘runner’ well, runs. And digs. And climbs. And searches. 
• The poker chips have an assigned value depending on the color. 
• The game is over when all the chips have been found, or conceivably when the runner decides that he’s done running. I think it will be when the chips have been found.
• The total value of the hidden poker chips is equal to Five Dollars. It will be paid in the form of a Dairy Queen Gift Card. The runner knows this. He will not stop until he has won/earned the DQ GC.

He will not stop until he has won/earned the DQ GC. Really, it bears repeating.

While I pen these words about an imagined (but soon-to-be-realized) activity, I am picturing two characters: One (me) is relaxing on a bench in the shade and the other is the runner spending copious amounts of energy to reach his goal.

I am currently thinking about a couple of Bible verses as well. 

Included below are two versions because sometimes, I just don’t get it. I then look to The Message translation. I'm aware that some would consider this translation (and others) as being ‘less than’. And I strongly suspect that these verses could have various interpretations. But for me, the Bible should lead me to a relationship with God through Jesus. An explanation that helps me get there is fair game - in my humble opinion.

Philippians 3:14-16 (NIV)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

"All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained."

Philippians 3:12-16 (The Message)

"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back"

"So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it."

As much as this incredible runner seeks his goal, I should be seeking THE goal. Prayers that I will heed my own advice are always appreciated.