the cards we've all been dealt.

i thought it was a little bit of a stretch for my sunday night small group to be playing spades, but my group leader swore it tied into the lesson. i did not play well at all. i do not know how to play spades and after the 3 games, i still do not know how to play spades(so i guess it's a good thing i don't gamble). and scott(my group leader was right) the games we played did tie into our lesson and that lesson is the same as my title post: the cards we've been dealt. it gave me a lot to think about and so much perspective. how you ever thought much about the cards you've been dealt in life? the good cards, the great cards and the cards that make you wonder why you even wake up in the morning?
let me go through some of the card classifications and leave you with some questions you can either respond to on my blog, or you can discuss with someone on your own.

these are the so-called "hard" cards. the dealer of the cards is God. maybe you've experienced a few of these or know someone who has you've questioned the why and how. that's not what truly matters. everyone is dealt a hard card or two or a billion and it isn't for us to know the how's and why's, but to bring to God.
here are some examples of the "hard" cards:

pain
depression
rejection
hard words spoken by someone
abuse
divorce
death

these cards are called the "pretty" cards. cards that pleasant. it has a lot to do with what other people think and you'll see that through these examples:

making someone laugh
when you learned to tie your shoes
your first kiss
your first job
the first time you stood up for someone
your first 'a'

these are God's cards. the cards He would choose for you:

good and bad cards
disappointment leads to hope and joy
cards that bring Him glory
it's His story, not our own
heaven's likeness

and this last list are my personal cards. good and bad, these are a few of my own cards that i want to share with you:

both my parents leaving
God forgiving me, leading me back to church and filling my heart
losing a good friend
2 beautiful, smart, amazing boys
an awesome family and wonderful friends
a great church

so, here are my questions for you:
have you ever really thought about the cards you've been dealt(good and bad)?
let me lead you through some questions and i'd really like to know what your answers are. you don't have to let me know. they can be private, but i do urge you to take a moment and at least answer them for yourselves. maybe you can get perspective or least be thankful for your life.

what are the best cards you've been dealt?
and what are the worst cards?
what cards in your life just don't seem to make sense to you today?
if you could trade any card, what would it be and why?
if you could give one of your cards to someone, which card, to whom and why?

i hope that through my stupid blog you can gain some insight on your life and be thankful for all the Lord has done and in your life.