Another Holiday Gathering, and another day of abundance.
Togetherness. And. Great food, stories, laughs, and family memories.
As an extra bonus, we played some games. Now that was a big hoot, even though I didn’t win very much at all. But it was more about the playing, than it was the winning. Games are supposed to be fun.
That was my big revelation about myself tonight. For many years, I played competitive sports. Playing ball at the college level was probably the most intense. It was work to be good. Every day was a commitment to the sport.
So when I got to the age where I didn’t feel like I could be playing with the best anymore, I decided it was time for me to quit. And for the most part, I did.
But games are a horse of a different color. Games are just…. welllll…. they are just fun. Oh sure, there is still a little competitive edge there, but for the most part, it is simply a way to play.
And play we did. First, there was Farkle. And then several rounds of Apples to Apples. I didn’t care that I wasn’t winning… because…. in a lot of ways I WAS winning.
I was getting to chance to be with the ones I love, and sharing the simple joy of playing together. Like we did when we were kids. Except for we weren’t tackling each other tonight.
Sometimes, our lives get busy and we forget about having fun. In fact…. on occasion,…. we no longer remember HOW to have fun.
But science has proven, that people who do things they consider to be fun, are often happier, and live and love longer.
So pull out a deck of cards, or a pair of dice, and get to it. Play a little. Even if you don’t win the game… you have in fact… won the BIGGER game.
“Life is more fun if you play games.”
― Roald Dahl, My Uncle Oswald
“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.”
― Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson