Tom and Bill were playing BINGO and Tom kept looking over Bill's shoulder saying, "You got that one." "Why don't you mark your own card," Bill chided. "I can't. It's full," Tom replied.
I was struck with a thought recently as I worked at a community BINGO. Life can be compared to BINGO, with each number being a year. How exciting for us when we start to recognize the challenges of the game. Staying focused is essential if you want to win.
I thought of my life under the B's, from one to fifteen. How carefree it seemed in that rush of youth. How fortunate I was not to realize I was missing a few numbers. How lucky I had been to grow up in a big family on a mixed farm in Saskatchewan.
How dull and boring life had seemed for many a day, ten miles from the hamlet of Cactus Lake. When a coyote came along it was an event. But how wholesome it was in that Christian community two miles from the church on the hill.
The I's were much more significant in terms of my life's direction and achievements. From 16 to 30 covers some major changes: college, falling in love, building a home and a career. Sometimes I longed for the simple and relaxing days of childhood.
The N's moved me right along life's path which started to become more clearly designated. Family, career, church, and community took over my time, and a blessed time it was. What is middle age anyway? Was there a crisis lurking here somewhere?
The G's were quite a leap, from 46 to 60. I definitely was getting older, but I still had my hair. Children left home and got married. Retirement opened doors. To me the G's and the I's seemed the most significant stages of life, so far.
The O's are a gift from God, being the last column on the card. My mother didn't see the O's and yet she had a full life. There is talk of a Gold Card which can double all your winnings. Now there is a thought.
My winnings are adding up. Friends and extended family are the real riches of life. I will die a rich man. This I know. Does the final black out happen when the card is full? Do you take your winnings with you?
Do you get a new card at 75? I'll have to ask some of my older siblings. And why do grandchildren come along after 60, when it is hard to crawl around on the floor and my knees get rug-burn? Maybe it's because I have time for them now.
Some important things I know - that Jesus makes new life possible. That is especially good news when the back aches and arthritis befriends you. We can find rest in the FREE space where all is forgiven. God put that space on every card to make it easier for us to get a winning game.
It is a wonderful life! You carry your dreams with you, always expecting to win. Many doors open in each of the stages of life. Opportunities multiply with age.
The real challenge of life is to appreciate the gifts we have and the graces so freely given to us; to never lose sight of who we are and what our destiny is.
