Win Some, Lose Some

I was playing one of my Solitaire games the other day on my laptop and was thinking about my score.  I had 27 losing hands, and only 7 winning hands.  Yet, my total score was in the positive; I was still winning the game.

I thought about how sometimes in my life I feel that I am losing more times than I am winning, and I can get discouraged.  For example, I am feeling my old age, 77 years to be exact.  And I cannot do all the things I used to be able to do.

I cannot remember all the things I used to easily remember.

I cannot physically do all the things I used to be able to easily do.

I cannot drive on all the long trips I used to do.

I cannot always be with the people I used to have in my life, cannot hug and love on all of them as I used to do.

I cannot . . . I cannot . . . I cannot . . .

Yes, all of this is true.  There are many things in my life that I cannot do as easily as I used to be able to do.  However, when I look at my life overall I can see that I am still in positive territory; I am still winning.

I am still able to remember many of the important things.  I remember the times I succeeded in my careers and in my educational goals.  I remember the times my children and grandchildren are so loving and caring toward me.  I remember all the blessings God has offered me throughout my life, especially the ones that came when I needed them the most.

I am physically able to get around pretty well.  I am able to walk the dogs every day and do many household chores.  Most of the time I still feel generally healthy.

I am still able to drive on my own, including some long distances.  I am able to safely, (mostly safely) handle myself behind the wheel of a car.

I can cherish the friends and family still in my life with whom I can hug, I can visit with, and I can love unconditionally. 

Like most of us, my life has consisted of both some losing times and some winning times. For both, I am grateful.  The losing times help me grow as a person, while the winning times remind me of the preciousness of life.

What are your winning times?

Change, Grow, Evolve