No one likes to lose; we all want to be winners. When I was in elementary school, I did as all wise young children do when told to pick a team; I chose those that I knew would help me win. To be very honest, I was not a good loser. My own insecurities showed through at an alarming rate when I was about to lose or actually did lose. It was not pretty!
We took our grandchildren bowling over the Christmas break. As we arrived, we were all given our “special” bowling shoes. I have often wondered why my score isn’t higher since the shoes are so “special” and uniquely made for the game of bowling! We then headed for the racks spread out across the bowling alley to find just the perfect bowling ball for each one of us. After several minutes, we were all set, each with his own set of “special” shoes and a perfectly fitted bowling ball that was guaranteed to get us a strike every time.
No warm up; off we went, youngest to oldest. So, you know who was last. Well, it would have been Mark, but since he was our cheerleader, it was me! Ainsley Kate began; she is four. She was pretty good. Avery was next, throwing the ball backhanded and knocking down 90% of the pins. Amazing! Annalise was third and did real well. Will, the only male on our bowling team, started out strong. He had a powerful throw; he just needed to direct it more toward the middle of the lane. Angela, our daughter, was next and having a great game. Now Mimi! I started out a little cold but was slowly warming up. The ball was a bit heavy, but there was no way I could blame any failed strikes or a low score on my ball; perhaps the “special” bowling shoes were not so “special!”
We ended the first game and I won; Angela was second; Will was third and so on. We all played pretty good, so we decided to play one more game- bad decision! You know the expression, “Quit while you’re ahead.” We should have adhered to that saying, but we pressed on.
As we progressed into the second game, the little ones were growing weary of bowling and Will was quickly getting frustrated with his gutter balls. He was very upset that he was losing. The more we tried to convince him that it was “just” a game, and that we were there to have “fun” together, the more upset he got. He was not having fun! To him, fun meant winning. As I observed Will, I had a flash back. Yes, I was that child sitting there with arms crossed, lips in the frown position, and making everyone else miserable. Oh, no it’s true, generational sins are passed down!
I wanted to tell him, “Listen, buddy, it’s really no big deal. In life you will win and you will lose, that’s the name of the game. You’ll be a much happier person and easier to be around, if you will learn to be a gracious loser” But, I’m not sure at the age of ten that I would have listened to my Mimi if she had given me the same advice. I guess we all have to learn those lessons on our own; it’s part of growing up!
At times, when it seems that life has won and you have lost, remember with God you are always going to win. You have chosen the winning team. I absolutely love being on a winning team! How grateful I am that all God’s children are winners. There are no losers of those who follow diligently after Him. For those who obey, there is always a trophy! I’m a winner! Go Saints!
Father, how grateful I am to be a member of your winning team! With You the season will always end with a 12 and 0 record! Just as a player follows his coach’s directions and play calls, I am diligently seeking to follow after you, listening and obeying You. I can only win in this game of life with You by my side. Losing is not an option as a child of the King.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1Corinthians 9:24-27
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:10-13