Being competitive in any way has never been my strongpoint. My way for most of my life was to stay back in the shadows, happy to be in a supportive and edifying role. I thrive working in the background, being the person that loves to observe and help in ways that often go unnoticed.
Very recently, I am realizing that the Lord has been working in me and through me, freeing me to reach out further than ever before. Every day there are opportunities that are placed in front of me, and I can no longer ignore them. I believe that the Holy Spirit is guiding me, and I will not say no to the opportunities that the Lord provides…either for sharing His love with others, or for my own personal growth. He is changing me from the inside out, and I trust Him to guide me.
It’s funny where enlightenment and growth seem to show up. My son and daughter in law (Mike and Nicole) from Colorado were just here for a visit during the Easter Season. It was wonderful seeing them and spending time with them. Now, I must tell you, they are extremely competitive, especially in the game department. Both of them are very bright, and especially shine when playing word games like Scrabble.
In a nutshell, I have always loved to play games, especially word games, however I always played just for fun. I never took the time to figure or develop a strategy.
That would change when Michael asked my to play “Words With Friends” with them online.
It all started great, and I was having a good time going back and forth with each of them, enjoying the casual game. Then POW…they started REALLY playing. It took me off guard, and it felt overwhelming. How do they find words that bring in so many points in one play? How do they find ways to use small lower point letters, and work game magic with them?
I started to really watch their strategy, and how they play the game. What I learned from them taught me to become a better player, but much more important, it taught me a lesson about life.
You see, the mistake I was making in “Words With Friends” is that I looked at the hand I was dealt, and found words I could make using those letters. Then I randomly found a place to fit them in. What Mike and Nicole do, is look for the opportunities (Triple letter, triple word, double letter, etc) and find a way to use that opportunity with what they have in their hand. Most of the time, they found a way to use those opportunities, and their strategy worked amazingly.
Not only did this way of thinking change the way I play word games, it also helped me to understand where I could achieve more growth as a Christian.
We were all given certain talents, personalities and gifts from the Lord. We have the choice to take the hand that we were dealt and just randomly put ourselves out there, without much thought or direction. Or, as I learned, we can ask the Lord to open our eyes so that we may see the opportunities He places in our lives each day. Once we are aware of those opportunities, we can choose to look for ways to utilize the talents and gifts God has blessed us with, to work with and take advantage of the opportunities presented to us. (Notice I said take advantage of the opportunities…I did not say take advantage of people.) We will not only grow as human beings, we will also grow as Christians, shining the light of Jesus to all that we meet.
One more lesson I learned, is that even when we are aware of certain opportunities, we may find that our unique skill set, personality, or gifts may not be compatible. Just like not having the letters needed to take advantage of that triple word score…we need to just let it go, and allow someone else to shine with it.
God is loving us and showering us with blessings every day. He is right there with us as we learn to realize the goodness and love within our hearts. He is always patient and merciful as we learn to see and use the opportunities He gifts us with…so we can become closer to Him and share Him with the world.
What opportunities are you considering?
May 19, 2015 at 7:42 am
Very good post. I like Wordament as well. Teaches one many things these word games. Wordsmithing is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the day!
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May 19, 2015 at 8:44 am
Thanks…great to see you here! Enjoy your day:-)
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April 26, 2015 at 10:12 am
Thanks for posting. Your WORDS 🙂 made me consider how I’m using my gifts. And ask if there are opportunities I’m missing. Don’t ya love how those Aha moments come when we least expect it….like playing a game.
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April 26, 2015 at 9:05 pm
Yes…I sure do love those Aha moments:-) The Lord is so creative when communicating with us!
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April 24, 2015 at 8:05 am
Beautiful post Bernadette! I love the lesson of a game applied to life 🙂 I love that God speaks in your heart! Have a super blessed weekend ♡
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April 24, 2015 at 10:28 am
Thank you! Have a fun and blessed weekend:-)
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April 21, 2015 at 1:06 pm
As you have discovered my friend, nothing happens by accident, chance, or that popular [and non existent] “luck.” Either good or bad. God is in charge and as you noted gives us opportunities to grow spiritually throughout each day. If we, as you have, are able to discern them, and react with Faith and Charity, we can grow closer to God.
Thanks for sharing,
Continued Blessings,
PAtrick
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April 21, 2015 at 1:27 pm
So true, Patrick. Thank you so much for your support and your ever encouraging words:-)
May God continue to bless you!
Bernadette
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April 21, 2015 at 10:20 am
Hon,
That was very, very good. I wish some pastors could weave a real life message into their readings. 🙂
Thanks, Joe Maluso
>
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April 21, 2015 at 10:58 am
Thanks honey! The Holy Spirit works through us all in amazing ways:-)
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