Lessons from Monopoly

There's a fabulous author called John Ortberg. I read his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, about a year ago. I'm currently going through a video-series based on his book, When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box.

Although I'm yet to read the latter, its inspiration has already changed my life.

Ortberg's grandmother used to always beat him at Monopoly. When he finally won, the game was over and she said it was time to put it all back in the box.

What?

Over so soon? No glory to revel in?

I just watched the Tennessee Titans lose in the playoffs, after HIGH hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. Just like that, it was over. 

And that's it. No further success for the year. Nothing else to get excited about, other than next season. Just like that, it comes, and more importantly, it goes.

When the St. Louis Cardinals won the 2006 World Series, I wasn't sure what could be better. 

Wait. Really?

Yeah, I mean that. But now I see that I only want them to win again, and again, and again. It's never enough. Winning it all is not enough.

Oh, and I've thankfully learned in the intermediary, that it does get better than a World Series championship. (they're at the mall right now).

Back to Monopoly, although this is all the same point.

Time keeps going. Your "moment in the sun" may arrive, but it will fade, and quickly. Or, it may never come like you think it's going to, or like you think you deserve. 

Look towards things that actually matter. Don't worry about the absolutely meaningless things that seem important, only to soon realize that you wasted time.

When you do die, all of your toys and trophies and money, will be meaningless to you. Instantly. 

This world will go on without you.

Make sure the time you did spend, was spent well.