When I was young, my Mom used to use all sorts of
crafty analogies to help me try to understand certain things
about life. When times were tough or when I found myself
getting frustrated over silly things, along came Mom with a
story that would put things into perspective and help me look
at situations a little differently.
One of those analogies she used, that always sticks in my
head, was that life is kind of like a deck of cards. She used
to say "Son, there are 52 cards in a deck for a reason." We're
always trying to deal ourselves the hand we want or manipulate
the cards in the deck to suit the hand we wish to play, but
what's most important is learning to play the hand you were
dealt. We all are here for a reason and each of us as a
certain gift to give the world. Winning is not the key. It is
having fun while you play and learning to discover your
significance as a player that is the real objective.
Taking off on this analogy, I wanted to expand on this a
bit...
With the recent, massive, and continued success of Rick
Warren's book, A Purpose Driven Life, it is very clear
that many are indeed searching for the meaning and purpose
they were put here on Earth for. While a deck or game of cards
may not reveal that purpose to you initially, I think it is
important to also look at life with the significance of what
the full deck represents. Each standard deck of playing cards
has 52 cards within. Each card is crucial in playing the game
and no one card is without a purpose.
Similar to life, you and I are the cards in the deck. You
could be an Ace or a 5 of Diamonds, a King Hearts or a Joker's
Wild, but regardless of the markings on your card or the suit
in to which you belong... the simple fact is, you are a vital
component of what makes up the full deck!
Without you, the game cannot be played properly.
This week, be encouraged to think about your life like a
deck of cards and your role in the game. Regardless of the
stress, the problems, and the demands of daily living... you
were put here for a reason and you have a significant purpose
in how the game is to be played. Learn to accept the cards you
are dealt and play the game with joy, happiness, and love.
Don't get frustrated because the person beside you seems to
have a better hand than you, after all he may be bluffing. He
may be betting his life on the anticipation that you will
fold. Don't get upset if you loose a hand or draw a bad card
now and then, eventually you will pull all the right cards
together and have a Full House.
When you truly experience the game for its joy versus
always trying to alter your hand, you will ultimately find the
purpose in the game. There are 52 cards in a deck for a
reason, find peace in the fact that each of us has our own
unique role in making up the deck. Encourage others to do the
same.
It starts with you, pass it on.
