The Game of Life

My children play video games and really who doesn't these days. I have even been known to dabble in a golf game on the Wii. I can tell you it isn't pretty folks. Jaxon has several favorites that include many variations of the favored Mario games. It got me to thinking how our lives are a lot like being in a Mario game.

The fight never ends with what ever outside forces that comes to stand in our way. We have to keep moving forward. Standing still or going backwards is just not one of the options. If the character keeps moving to the "right", they will usually continue to move in the direction that keeps them moving forward. Occasionally a little side bar or bubble will appear with "notes" that tell us where or what we are suppose to be doing to keep moving forward. Which on a side note is my Jaxon's motto - Keep Moving Forward. It is from the Disney show, Meet the Robisons.

There is evil all around in one form or another. Sometimes the evil forces come in the most innocent form - even cute but they nevertheless they are dangerous and very destructive. There are portals or places that will move us onto the next level. Situations that once we have the keys that open the "door", we are allowed to move on.

As we do what is right, we get stars, hearts, or other things that are rewarded to us.

We all play at different levels. The level that I play best at may not be where another person plays well. That is why there is a beginning and expert and every level in between. There has to be a place where we can experience some level of success. Just because I have conquered a major villain, does not mean I didn't struggle to get there.

Often no matter how good I am, I just cannot pass a certain area or move forward in the game. There are occasions when no matter what I do, I expire. It is at those times that I hope that I have built up enough "lives" or good experiences to pull from that I can start anew and keep playing. In the game, I have friends who help me along the way. They are invaluable to helping me arrive at my destination. My weapons are usually the talents given to me or my character.

So in examining the world as if seen through the eyes of Mario, it really isn't too far off from what reality is like. Only I could use a little more time between what is thrown at me and definitely more motivational music. Also I could use a few more indicators when I am doing good and generally when I am just failing.

And if I am allowed to put in requests for what I want my game to be like, I would like to bounce just a little higher.

So the next time my children tell me that I just don't understand their games, I can honestly look at them and say, "I think I have a pretty good idea what it is all about. I have played this before:)"