More than Just a Game of Checkers

What a moment! Teaching my son to play checkers...and at our favorite restaurant Cracker Barrel!

It took me back to my dad teaching me to play chess. We played a lot when I was young. I loved playing him. I loved the challenge. I loved the one-on-one time with my dad.

I also can't help but think of all the life lessons.

There are rules to follow...in checkers and in life. You can't win, much less even play, if you don't know the rules.

I was reminded to be patient. He's never played checkers. He has no frame of reference. I have to teach him. And of course he's going to make mistakes, that's part of learning.

How many times in life do I get frustrated or impatient with him? But why? Of course he's going to go slow at times, not understand, make mistakes, etc...he's still learning...and it's my job to teach him and train him.

I jumped Bo's checker and "captured" it. He was heartbroken and thought the whole game was over. NOPE! "You get to keep going. You can still win."

That's life...Setbacks. Failures. Mistakes. Doesn't mean it's over...You just keep going!

Actually it was the moment he lost his checker when he learned the most. Not only did he learn what not to do but even more importantly, he learned what to do..."capture" my checkers.

I hope for the rest of life he he keeps getting his "checkers captured".... failing. That means he's putting himself out there, trying to learn new things, and going for it! And he'll learn so much in the process.

Bo's just getting going and I'm loving every minute of it!