“You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.”

How can you go wrong leading off some ideas with a Kenny Roger’s song?

I’ve only gambled once in my life. Other than the few times my childhood friends and I bet on who was fastest, strongest or who could eat the most repulsive thing. When I actually had money of my own I bet with some co-workers on football games. We each put in 5 dollars and the first week I won 45 dollars. The next few weeks I didn’t win anything and the whole weekly wager thing quietly fizzled out. That’s it though, my entire gambling experience.

I personally think it’s a bad idea to gamble so I’m not tempted, but I had a thought the other day. There are some challenging situations in life that I believe would change if small things inside each of us changed first. So even though no money will be exchanged, I’m going to use the terminology.

What if…Before we said something about another person, we were somehow able to stop and sincerely pray for them?

I bet we’d have less to say about them and maybe more to say to them.

What if…We operated only on the facts concerning someone and not on our assumptions about them?

I bet there would be less hostility.

What if…we could acknowledge that we are all biased in certain ways?

I bet we would be more open in our conversations.

What if…Instead of worrying, we either prayed about it or took one small step to make it better?

I bet we would see things differently.

What if…We make the conscience effort to forgive others even when they haven’t asked for it?

I bet we would feel less pressure to live up to our own expectations.

What if…No matter your relationship with or belief in God, you asked Him to show you what He is doing in your life?

I bet you would be surprised.

So, I’m not a gambler, but I bet if we became aware that the Kingdom of God is here and now. We would always know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. Maybe we would even know when to walk away from things that hold us back. Maybe we could run the race that is set before us with confidence.

I’m willing to bet.

Written by Tom Wise © Finding Wonder 2013