The other weekend, we had a family game night. We started with Whoonu, which is a pretty fun game that is partially about knowing what the other players like and dislike and obviously partially about getting cards that fit the other players.
Once we were done with that, my daughter decided that she wanted to play The Game of LIFE. This is not a game that I’ve played a lot (maybe once before) and I immediately started protesting my head: “Eeewww, isn’t that the stereotypical ‘American Dream’ game where it’s all about having a good career, making lots of money, and buying a big house in the hopes of retiring at the “Millionaire Estates?”
Well, yes and no.
What I found as we started the game is that this game does acknowledge that there is more to life than careers, money, and retiring well. It’s also about having a family, hobbies, and giving back to the community.
When you land on certain spaces, you get a “LIFE” tile that you save until the end of the game. These life tiles have different events that give you additional cash. For example, $10,000 for climbing Mt. Everest, $30,000 for painting a masterpiece, and $50,000 for finding a solution to pollution (still waiting on that one!).
It made me think… What do I want on my LIFE tiles when I get to the end of my life?
We only have one life and we need to make the most of it. With that, I don’t mean trying to cram as much activity into it as possible (I prefer quality over quantity). What I mean is that we need to use our time to make the world a better place (and have fun while doing it!).
Money in the bank doesn’t make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. Cleaning up a polluted waterway does. Fighting to save an endangered species does. Working to end poverty does. Living simply enough does.
What’s on your life tiles?
Like what you read? Pass on the goodness!
Your story is a good reminder to me that some things we might not greet with enthusiasm can turn out to be worthwhile. I hope I will get a Life tile for being a faithful friend. Maybe there is also one for taking care of children who need me at North Waco? How about for singing?
I heard a sermon series based on some poetry that fit nicely with this… “What will you do with your one wild and precious LIFE?” Keep up the good work, my friend. I think you will get a tile for writing a thoughtful, thought-provoking blog!
You’re awesome. :)