Monday, November 23, 2015

"No Games" - 11/23/15 - Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18


"Starting from scratch, He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him.

He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; He's near.
       
We live and move in Him, can't get away from Him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' (17:26-28)
 
 
 
They were everywhere on the living room floor.  Lincoln Logs.  On the dining room table were the box of colors and coloring books from years ago.  On the coffee table was the game "knockout". 
Earlier we sat and ate our supper of applesauce, chicken nuggets,  hash browns, bread and Miracle Whip sandwiches (for only two of us) and juice.  Tonight I put away into my memory chest the scene of my Curt sitting on the floor playing with us. 
 
It was our first time to be watching Charlie and Ella. 
Two little ones who come in the package with their mommy, Ashley.  These three have not only captured the heart of our Adam, but also our hearts as well. 
 
As I was getting things ready in preparation for tonight, my mind was overflowing with the memories coming out from within the game cabinet.  I couldn't help but smile, remembering little hands and fingers learning to grasp the colors.  Rosebud lips turned up into a smile as they turned carrying a favorite game in their arms.  The boxes were almost bigger than they were at the time.  Their dancing eyes turning up to look at me, excitement throughout their bodies as they sat upon their knees leaning over the table.   I continually find it hard to believe they are now grown men. 
 
We have always played inside/outside games as a family.  Even today, it is the norm when together, to spend hours sitting at the table playing a board game or cards.  Sometimes we will drag out the little kid games, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, etc. and have a tournament. A couple of Christmas' ago we played a game we made up years earlier, "fart ball".  Most of the lights are off and we are playing "tag/hide n seek" with a little nerf football.  I will always remember the look on Amber's face as we were running through the house away from whomever was "it", throwing this little brown "fart ball" at each other.  Another game we played was where one would hide in the darkened house while the others counted together to 100 in the bathroom.  As the one hidden was discovered, the discoverer would squeeze in beside them, until everyone had found the one who was hiding. 
 
And each time we played these games in the dark, until they were older, the boys never ventured far from Curt or my side.  They loved playing, but were just a little unsure, scared, to be alone searching in the dark. 
 
These memories bring to mind yet another thing I love about our ABBA.
 
As much as I enjoy playing games, I know without doubt, there aren't any games being played when it comes to life "in" Him.  There aren't any times I have to wander in the dark away from Him.  
 
"He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; He's near.
        We live and move in Him, can't get away from Him!"

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