Good Losers?

My Dad played checkers like a chess player. In a zillion games between us I believe I won twice -and I'm pretty sure he let me win those.

In all sorts of games with Wendi and our kids over the years I've lost plenty. It was a kindness when Wendi would say "Wow, you're such a good loser!" and I'd laugh saying it's just a game, or that it was far down the list of important things in life.

That's not to say I was never nor now am not competitive but rather that I know even my best is often going to fall short, I'll fail, it's part of life for all of us.

See, being "top dog" is a losing and often arrogant and even fully unnecessary position to try to either grasp or maintain. Such is a tiring and "catch your own tail" spinning sort of life I rejected many, many years ago. Some can't see themselves clear of it.

The stress of not being able to negotiate loss literally kills people, paralyzes and sidelines millions. Knowing what and in a sense more how to live is key.

Jesus is THE Key for me. "I come as one who serves."

Didn't it seem to His followers and enemies alike that He lost it all on the cross? Easter morning shouts "Think AGAIN!"

What the world and often church folk see as loss is sometimes exactly what we need to move us toward Jesus Christ. It will contain a cross and what looks like and sometimes indeed is actual loss, but learning to negotiate those waves is what brings us to the shore of God and often, His very plan for us this side of heaven -and eternity with Him and His people after.

We've all seen people who major in self-focus lose, lie that the other person/s cheated, and become mean, ugly and nothing at all like Jesus. Think about that please. Walking in His love and truth includes losing your life for the sake of Jesus and the Good News. God defines winning that way. If you claim to follow Him consider whether that's how you're thinking, living and serving Him and others. If not, you've already lost.

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn