Everything Matters

In this journey called life it is important to understand the signs of life; both spiritual and natural. In spiritual language it is called wisdom and discernment. In the natural the understanding may be called knowledge. Nevertheless, it is very important because it will inform us on when to make a move, when to be still, what to endure, and what to eliminate in our journey.
 
 As part of a bonding ritual with my two sons, I taught them how to play chess at an early age.  I recall how I would beat them regularly and how I would celebrate.  I would see their disappointment and hurt because their emerging male ego had been smashed in defeat.  One day, I was soundly defeated by one of my sons in a 3 move checkmate.  Now the tables had turned and I was the one with the bruised ego and both of my sons celebrated the defeat to their dad with a deadly 3 move checkmate.  You see all the victories didn't teach me a whole lot.  I didn't take the time to understand that this might not last long and that I may have awaken a fighting spirit in my sons to eventually defeat me in chess.   In fact, I got comfortable and careless, but that defeat taught me something.  I don't even remember many of my victories, but I totally remember that defeat which took place 15 years ago. I pondered it because I knew it mattered.  I realized that I needed to be alert, tighten up my game and that my opponent was getting stronger. 

So goes life, we must understand that Everything Matters.  The celebrations matter, but also the defeats because the defeats can teach us how to be alert and aware of the 3 move checkmates.