Games

[A song of ascents. By David:] “Adonai, my heart isn’t proud; I don’t set my sight too high, I don’t take part in great affairs or in wonders far beyond me. No, I keep myself calm and quiet, like a little child on its mother’s lap – I keep myself like a little child. Isra’el, put your hope in Adonai from now on and forever! “Psalm 131:1-3 CJB

Karl Kapp wrote an article on “games.” He observes, “Games give you the freedom to fail, do something wrong and then start over again with minimal consequences and almost no longer-term negative implications.” Games, “…provide the freedom to explore different environments, different methods of thinking and different approaches to problem solving.” “Games are a sandbox for life.”

Video games are winning the hearts of many young because the freedom experienced while playing them is hard to match. In contrast, real-life players become more embarrassed at their imperfections showing. Unlike the games, the obstacles are genuine and people are watching; there are consequences. Sadly, their “virtual” frame of reference is not the same as staying with a real thing.

The famous writer John Gray PhD. says “A stimulant drug floods the brain with higher than normal levels of dopamine. This over-stimulation causes dopamine receptor sites to down-regulate causing a dependence on the stimulant. In the case of video games, this stimulation increases blood flow to the ‘nucleus accumbens’ or pleasure center in the middle of the brain. At the same time blood decreases to the prefrontal cortex. Activity in the prefrontal cortex is associated with decision-making and control over impulses.”

Friends, “extended time playing a video game decreases our control over automatic impulses.” “Video games cause increased boredom in response to normal stimulation,” again says Dr Gray.

The obvious question is this, “why the games,” “what causes one to want the games so much?” One source suggested family issues or problems. Not much else is suggested from others –Lack of coping ability with real world issues of life? No kidding? Stress? Temptation? Excessive computer usage? How about this one, “get a life?”

Allen Wheelis wrote a story in his book, “How People Change.” The story is the tale of a young boy who comes home with a passing report card, and readies for summer vacation. Father is impressed except the “conduct” report is less than perfect. The boy confesses to cutting-up and laughing during class time.

Dad is calm but begins his son on a summer long grass-cutting chore with a razor blade. There is no time for playing ball or even resting much. Resentment builds. Nearing summer’s end the young boy begins to verbalize his hatred for his dad. Not caring who hears, he is sure dad overhears him.

While the true tale was written to illustrate another point, my take goes this way. Dad remains composed, he has accomplished his goal. He has enabled his child to come to grips with “work,” its task, its secrets, its innovations, its creativity. Lastly, the boy learned the meaning of accomplishing something, and that things can be achieved through solid work. In the moving story, the father dies shortly afterwards.

I remember similar lessons in my life; they brought about many rebellious years. Nevertheless the lessons stuck; with a mind to it, real rewards await the diligent. Determination was learned for the first time when no room for escape made it succeed.