What’s In A Game?

Growing up I played one game after another. Life was fun. I knew how to make life a game. My tasks were games because they were fun.

Things changed as I entered grade school. I couldn’t do what I wanted anymore. It stifled my creativity because I didn’t do the activities like the teacher wanted.

I started to shut down in a lot of aspects of my life because I was told I was doing things wrong. Somewhere along the line, I lost play, with one exception. I loved my Legos. i let my imagination run wild with the simple blocks and generic mini-figures. That was my outlet as a child.

Connecting Through Play

Often, grandparents would rather not associate with their grand kids because they are too loud or energetic. I fell into that camp, but my grandmother loved me and taught me in her kitchen about cooking and baking. I played with food, and she finished her work. We also talked a lot. In the afternoon or evenings, we would go into the living room, and more often than not, my grandparents would pull out their card tables.

These were not what we consider card tables today. My grandfather created these table to have on leg that was a little higher than the arms of their stuffed chairs. He covered the surface of the table in turquoise felt and they were perfect for moving and flipping cards. They played solitaire endlessly it seemed, but they also talked. They knew variations of solitaire that I never knew existed. I learned so much from them in those quiet moments. They healed from a long day, and I connected. I needed that connection.

I also played baseball. My dad was my coach for most of that time. The only reason I continued to play the game came from my connection with my dad. I connected with him through his passion for the game. he taught me how to score the game, and I learned the rules and the strategy of the game. I was better at coaching and umpiring than I was at playing.

Find Games To Connect To The Past

As I have learned more about the skills of the past, my kids have learned about games of the past. I help demonstrate coopering each summer, and when I do, my kids help teach others other skills and games. My sons like Nine Men’s Morris, Fox and Geese, and Jacob’s Ladder. My girls are good at Graces, the Milking Game that taught kids how to milk cows, and Hoop Racing. There are games like Stick Pulling, and my family’s favorite, Sword Play. We have the advantage today of foam weapons, so the beatings are less dangerous.

I learned the basics of Go, and Chinese Chess while living in Korea. Once upon a time, I was a very good Chess player. When my grandmother’s oldest sister came to visit from Germany, she didn’t give me much respect until she realized that I spoke and understood German quite well, and I could stand toe to toe with her playing chess. (2-2-1 record) She was a “polite” evening chess player. That was no small feat.

Of course, games like Tag and Red Rover are still well known. There are so many calm or active games that you can choose from to relax and just have fun. Competition does not have to be the focus. Learning to listen a little and connect more might be the better objective.

Take Time To Learn From Your Past

Learning from the past helps to gain perspective. I am a better person because I took time to learn from the past. There are so many lessons to be learned that I don’t have to learn by repeating them that I find it worthwhile. Take some time to learn about your past.

You might be interested in Turning Your Family To History or perhaps you will want to join my free class on Facebook, Ancestral Connections with Mark Fincher.

Regardless of your current interest level, you can take simple steps that will help you be more playful and more willing to connect with others.