I’m very privileged. Every week, I get to play quite a few games with our granddaughter – always an interesting experience. First off this week it was an old card game called ‘Donkey’. In fact, our particular pack has my maiden name on it in my mother’s handwriting – my sister and I used to play with this very same pack as children. The cards themselves are quite thick and worn around the edges. Some have dirty fingerprints on them – and one in particular is quite creased. Yes, you guessed it – it’s the card with the donkey on it!
Now my granddaughter might be only four years old, but she isn’t silly. She has worked out that firstly, if only two of us are playing and she herself doesn’t have the donkey, then chances are her nanna does! Secondly, she’s beginning to know the back of that donkey card and now studiously avoids plucking that particular one out of my hand. So needless to say, I am often left with it at the end, much to Olivia’s delight! This week, she proudly told her father: ‘Nanna’s always the donkey!’
Sometimes, however, Nanna has to put a bit of creative effort into achieving this result. Just as Olivia is good at avoiding the donkey card, I am equally skilled at doing the opposite! I have become adept at groaning in mock horror when I see what card I have chosen, while Olivia grins and looks very pleased with herself! I don’t always ‘let’ her win games – but with this particular one, I figure she enjoys it so much I can afford to pretend to be a little sillier than I really am. It doesn’t matter – I think my ego can handle it.
Yet on other occasions, I cringe at the possibility of making a fool of myself. After all, the stakes are so much higher in real life. What if no one likes my latest novel? What if it dies a lingering death on the bookstore shelves – or more likely on the bargain ‘throw-out’ table? What if when I present that writing workshop, someone there knows so much more than I do and challenges my assertions? What if I speak somewhere and misquote Scripture or just don’t hit the mark?
Well, I am slowly learning it’s not going to kill me to walk the humble road, to be the ‘donkey’ and say or write something that may well be laughed at. God knows my heart, after all. And then I remember how Jesus endured so much more scorn and derision than I ever will, even to the point of death – and all for our sake. Matthew 27 describes how he was ‘set up’ by a whole company of soldiers, stripped, dressed up as a king, complete with crown of thorns, then mockingly ‘worshipped’. Worse still, they spat on him, took the staff they had given him and hit him with it, time and time again. This shameful saga ends with one simple, chilling sentence: Then they led him away to crucify him. (Matt 27:31b)
I want to learn to live my life with that sort of humility. I want to get rid of my pride and not be so concerned about what people think. So perhaps ending up with the donkey as I play with my granddaughter is all part of preparing me for the bigger challenges of life, of showing me that in the end, nothing really matters except what God says about me.
What do you think? Could God speak through old card games?
Hi Jo, Enjoyed your Blog, had to laugh about your granddaughter. Precious moments playing cards or whatever with these little ones. I have enjoyed playing UNO with Aisha & Peter – and how they love to win.
I am sure there is a lesson to learn in all we do. Trust birthday party went well. Thinking of you as you set off tomorrow, for safe journey and many blessings as you share what God has placed on your heart and mind.
Love, Joan
Thanks, Joan! Our older granddaughter loves playing Uno with anyone who will play with her, but Olivia’s not quite up to that one yet. Yes, they all love winning, that’s for sure! Thanks too for your continued support – I value it so much. God bless!
Hi Jo-Anne,
Lovely post. I believe God uses not only card games but all kinds of games we play with our young ones to humble us. He really wants us to let go of that ego we all like to parade around with. Being a donkey is definitely great for character building.
Thanks for a great reminder to keep our pride under control.
Blessings,
Laura
Thanks, Laura! I am currently in Brisbane for the Writers’ Fair here – perhaps I will meet up with you there? That would be great! God bless.