Last week I read John Ortberg’s book, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. Ortberg shares lessons he learned about life while playing Monopoly with his grandmother, a woman who evidently had mastered the game of Monopoly and the game of life. “All the tokens, game pieces, and prizes are left behind when we walk away from the table. The only real “winnings” we claim and keep are our own souls, and the love we have for Christ and each other.”
The “game of life” is full of surprises. Whether we play by the rules or not, we can never really predict how or when the game will end. Our acquisitions may be many and our place in the game may seem secure, when suddenly the unexpected happens. You crash your car and sustain serious injuries. Terrorists crash planes into public buildings killing thousands of people. The economy crashes leaving no one unaffected. Our priorities, our commitments and our source of security are all important as we “play the game.”
As we prepare for the start of a new church program year, I hope you will spend some time considering how you are playing the game of life. Are you investing in things that are eternal? Are you laying up treasures on earth or treasures in heaven? Are you learning to love God and others more each day? The choices we make each day do matter. Remember the words of Jesus? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Coming Up:
Men’s Discipleship/Golfing group meeting at Williamsburg National
Discussion at 3:00 PM led by Vernon Carr followed by nine holes of golf
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study group meeting August 8 and 22 at 11:30 AM for prayer and lunch. Weekly Bible study will resume on September 5 at 10:30 AM with a study of 1 Corinthians. Other classes will resume on Sunday evening, September 9 and following.
Church-wide Fellowship Breakfast on September 9 starting at 8:45 AM. We hope this time of fellowship will help encourage everyone to find their places of involvement in the various opportunities for study and service. Our theme, Links of Love, will serve to remind us of the joy and sense of purpose that comes when we find those links that connect us to meaningful opportunities. This breakfast is for everyone, so come and bring a friend.
Retreat of Silence at Crossroads Campground and Conference Center Tentative date: October 21-23
Join us every week for Adult Bible Study at 9:15 AM. See you Sunday.
Linda
