It's Ok

Over the past few weeks I have been playing my favorite Nintendo 64 game (Mario Karts 64). This is a racing game and my nephew and two neices love racing against me. Talia, my youngest neice, enjoys watching me race more than racing against me. She gets wildly excited and happy when I win and she gets furious when I lose. I quickly discovered that she was responding to my reactions of the race results. I then decided that this was the perfect teaching opportunity. I began pretending as though I wasn't greatly irritated when I got 2nd place or 3rd and so on. I explained to her that it was o.k. if I didn't get first place. I told her that even if I got last place, it was still good because I didn't quit....I finished the race. She's now to the point that she consoles me everytime I get 2nd place. She says, (while patting me on the shoulder) "It's ok to get second place. That's good too."

So, what exactly am I teaching my neice here? Am I teaching her to get rid of all of her ambition and drive to be her best? I think not! My intentions are to teach her that finishing something she starts is crucial to living life. I want to instill in her heart, mind, and soul the foundations for perseverance in the Christian life. Far too many people give up and quit because life is too hard or things just aren't working out like they thought they should. I say don't give up because there is great reward in staying with The Lord! I pray you discover this for yourself by giving your soul to Jesus. If that's the case, then, I'll see you in Heaven......that is, if you persevere! ;)


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12