WIN OR LOSE

“We played her new board game, and she became upset that I don’t play by Grammy’s rules–in which she apparently always wins.”

This was the text I received from my daughter this weekend–one that made this Grammy laugh. Yes, I confessed, it was true. My five-year-old granddaughter had legitimately won the first two games of Candy Land, but the third one… well, I may have allowed a few extra turns and forgotten one of mine. I can receive some good-natured teasing from my family about being a soft touch with our grandchildren; we all find the humor in my quest to be Fun Grammy.

I then considered other ways I could lovingly handle the winning or losing. I could talk about my joy in seeing her win–with or without my help. I could allow her to lose, but also gently comfort her, suggest we try again, or turn the loss into a teachable moment.

But even as I can easily keep her and our other grandchildren from Candy Land heartache, I know they will experience greater disappointments, trials, and losses in life. My hope is that they will always remember that I–along with those who love them–will be ready to help, comfort, teach, or encourage them through any hardship they may encounter.

My hope is that they will always remember how much they are loved.

God loves us even more than this. Through every trial and challenge in life, God will help, comfort, teach, encourage, and restore us, doing what only God can do to bring about greater joy and happiness.

God’s hope is that we will always remember how much we are loved.

What is “winning” in this life, really? Is it being victorious over others, succeeding in our efforts, avoiding any pain or sorrow?

Winning is the sheer joy of trusting that whatever life brings, we are not alone, we are being held, we are being helped, and we are beloved… the sheer joy of seeing or helping others succeed… the sheer joy of perceiving that this life holds a beautiful and sacred mystery, and our trials are not the end of the story.

It is the sheer joy of knowing that Love wins–over everything.

Photo by Karen