When I was a kid...this boy taught me how to play chess. I learned fast....the strategies to beat him...the moves to win. We played for hours and I got really good at it. I figured out....if I wanted to win...I needed a plan....a method...I needed specific intentions....I needed strategies.
I think playing Chess taught me how to survive the streets.....it taught me how to fight in ways that helped me plan out strategies to stay one step ahead....to plan out moves....to stay alive.
Chess....I still love the game. I taught it to my kids. We play alot and I've usually been able to beat the socks off them. But something's happened...lately my oldest has been winning....game after game after game. She's wiping the board with me...knocking my people off one at a time.
Last week I noticed she had a score card on her desk...keeping tabs of how many times she beat me. Strategies....She's figured out the moves and gets me when I'm tired....or not paying attention. She's gotten good.... And my nine year old is also holding her own.....winning some games...but the best is watching their determination to take me down...their thinking...planning - strategizing - My daughter says she's learned from the best...she's learned from me.
Chess...just a game? When I think of the situations I've been in....I think Chess taught me how to strategize to stay alive....I wonder what it will help my daughters do when they're older....going after what they want....staying one step ahead on the road of life - I can't teach them to bake....or cook...or sew....I don't know how.....but one thing I do know really well.....I know how to strategize and how to fight to win.
I think He made me a fighter....a fighter who refuses to give up...to not back down and I'm grateful to that kid who taught me the game of chess....
21 comments:
Great analogy Sarah. Brought back a memory to me that I completly forgot about. One rare time where my dad taught me something, and that was chess. Then I taught it to my friends. How ironic. Thanks for this post which triggered this for me.
Glad that God has made you the fighter, the fighter that refuses to give up. I am right there with you dear. Blessings.
Such a great lesson to teach your kids. I can't bake or sew either.
:)
Blessings,
Tammy
I am sure there are many valuable life lessons to come from a game or lots of games of chess. What a beautiful legacy you have given them....skills for a beautiful, well thought out, life...a life where the MASTER chess player will fight and win all their battles for them.
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
andrea
I love this post... love it... they can learn how to cook anywhere.... you've taught them something that's sooooo much better... priceless:)
I used to play it and has not played ever since. But the memory of losing and winning stayed with me.
Loved the analogy you used to bring out the winning moves that comes from knowing Christ. God bless sister. Let's be strong in His mighty power and knock down [spiritual]opponents.
Sounds like chess is well on it's way to playing the same role for your kids!
Amen, you are a faithful fighter my friend, love you.
I think it's good you are teaching them lessons and coping mechanisms that have worked for you. Your kids are going to be great adults! That's way more important than teaching them to bake:)
Great way to spend time with your kids and to work their minds. It is a good game. I like the analogy of teaching strategy and not giving up. Good thoughts.
THAT IS a lesson... the other ones are taught by life itself... lucky children you have... for they have such a good teacher, trainer, such a strategizer (is that a word?)
I love your life experience and awareness...
Hugs!
I have not posted my 55 yet, but when I do you will see that I refer to the game of chess in it. However, I never learned how to play chess so it seemed like a crazy game to me. I needed to know the rules, strategies, etc. as you so well described.
I loved your post.
PG
What a great post! Yes, your girls will grow up to be strong and smart, just like their mom:-)
You influence them positively in so many ways that will help them when they have to make their own way in the world.
oh wow Sarah... you were right, we have posted similar stories, a learning for life out of a game... :-)) I love your post.
we are grateful for the
life force, the will to live
that God gives us.
Pete.
I like this post. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.
You are giving them so much more than a strategy for learning how to stick with things. I see you teaching them how to love without strings attached, how to be a good Mom, how to look to God for their strength!
Hugs!!!
Spontanously "chess of life" came into my mind. which means for all and everyone something different yet it has to be played skillfully. Your skills are amazing. I am truly blessed to get to know you.
I enjoyed your blog. Very insightful
Hope you will find blessings on mine
Jesus Lives, Bob West
http://westbob.blogspot.com/2010/04/line-upon-line.html
Wonderful analogy there, Sarah, and I love the way the Lord used a game to help prepare you for the battles of life. And you are right, in God's kingdom we are fighters.
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. Matthew 11:12
Love and hugs. Paula xxx
Chess really does require some brain work. Good point that it resembles life, in the sense that each move must be thought out. How many times did I just say or do something without even thinking...gulp - too many! Check mate.
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