Desktop Solitaire can be many things… a small pleasure, or an innocent pastime. It can also be a thief of time or caution against mindlessly drifting a little too close to depression. Take heart — there are other possibilities too.

Can we actually profit, and learn from digital Solitaire?

I did.

The game invites distraction from chores we’d rather avoid, and from boredom, or lonely and anxious thoughts. It’s a master of seduction, that can fill long, heavy minutes, and award millions of dollars in token prizes.

But, can the game offer real profit? I’m glad you asked. Here are some meaningful gems I have discovered.

1. My Solitaire program offers a menu of many styles of the game. For each, I can choose a solvable version – or play with no guarantee. I always choose a ‘solvable’ option. Although I don’t always find it, the guarantee of a possible solution challenges me not to give up too quickly.
2. I’m granted unlimited attempts for each game. That means; It’s never really ‘Game Over’ as long as I’m engaged.
3. If I’m unsuccessful, or if it feels too hard – I can leave it, and start a new game.
4. There is always more than one strategy for solving a game.
5. I have the power of choice over my play actions – I am not bound to engage, or to play in any particular order. I can also choose to let my computer make the next play for me.
6. I can scan the deck without playing (one or more) cards in a turn. I’m allowed to search through hidden resources (in the deck), to learn of challenges coming up.
7. From the deck, I could select and play all exposed Aces first. Or, I could check the line that has been dealt, and systematically use cards from the hidden deck – before trying to play these cards against each other. I choose the order of play and the resource that I plan to use for each step of the game.
8. After placing cards into ‘safe’ score stacks, I can un-do the move. I can even pull cards out of retirement (those already scored), and move them back down into active play.
9. Once a card is covered beneath a new card, it cannot be used unless it is ‘freed’ in later plays.
10. Limits on the game can be set using either money or time.  Many of us use the same measures in life. HINT: There are better measures available to us.

This illustrates ten points that profit me in much more than my Solitaire (or solitary) experience.

1. I recognize that without faith life is unsolvable. Our Lord’s invitation is the only way to guarantee that we need not be permanently defeated.
2. I can seek re-starts as needed. It’s never really ‘Game Over’ as long as I haven’t given up.
3. If I have given up or walked away – I can turn around and start something new and different. Short of death (my own, or my computer’s), I have not discovered a limit to this choice.
4. There is always more than one path to a solution. We choose to explore different options on our own – or we can select ‘Play’ (Pray) and let life’s real Master reveal possibilities for us.
5. Just because something comes up in the shuffle, I don’t have to engage it. I’ve heard life is really about only 10% what happens to us, and 90% about our responses. I can’t control what’s coming my way. I can choose my response.
6. I’m allowed to search through hidden resources, observe and learn to expect challenges. (We are urged to keep God’s word, hidden in our hearts, and search Scriptures for wisdom).
7. I choose the order of play and the resource that I plan to use for each step of the game. I can check my resources before playing– or jump into action with the resource deck still hidden. I have ‘free will’.
8. Do-overs and 2^nd chances are fine. Failure isn’t fatal.  I can un-do a move, or pull cards out of ‘retirement’ and move them back into play – if I need them.
9. Once a card is covered (hidden beneath a new card), it can’t be used unless and until it is ‘freed’. Even if we err and bury options  – we may find future opportunities to break free.
10. Limits to the game can be set using either money or time. With a cost/benefit analysis we may realize we have gained all we can from a particular game/experience. We can cash out, and begin anew.

As a simple person – I’ve asked God to use simple things to guide me. I always profit … and I’m often surprised by what He uses!

My enjoyment of ‘re-start’ ability in this game – reminds me of some joyous truth:

“This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations3:21-23 NKJV

I hope you enjoyed this romp and pray that our eyes will be open to discover profit and enjoyment in even in the most mundane things – as we engage with God in all we do.

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you!

Margaret

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:

1.  What enjoyments do you use or recommend when you need a break from long, difficult moments?
2. Have you found hidden gems of meaning in some every-day ‘simple’ things?  Please share …