Stay the Course

 

One of my favorite games is Phase Ten Dice. 

It’s a cross between Phase Ten and Yahtzee 

And it is a combination of luck and strategy,

Although it could be argued it’s less strategy than luck. 

 

As the name suggests, 

There are ten phases that you must complete in three rolls each. 

You are rolling for a high score but

If a high score isn’t possible then you at least want to complete the phase.  

If you do not complete the phase, then you must try again and again until the phase is complete.

There is a 40 point bonus for finishing first. 

 

Time and time again, 

When playing Phase Ten Dice,

The person winning in the beginning is not the person who wins in the end. 

They will be sailing along, 

Completing phases, 

Getting high scores, 

And then come to a screeching halt when a phase trips them up. 

For my dad,

It’s seven of one color. 

It gets him every time! 

For me and my mom,

It can be anything.  

 

The point is,

You must stay the course. 

If you’re losing,

You cannot give up hope.

If you’re winning,

You cannot take your fortune for granted.

 

The game can drastically change in just one phase. 

 

You are not completely guaranteed a win or a loss until the game truly ends. 

 

So stay the course, dear friends—

Hunker down and persevere,

Even when hope is hard to come by. 

You never know when strategy and luck will converge to propel you forward, 

Out of whatever sadness and defeat you are feeling. 

 

As much as you can,

Enjoy the journey and

Share laughter with those you’re journeying with. 

Winning is nice, yes. 

But it’s the process that matters. 

And the process takes time.

And waiting.

And cheering one another on. 

 

Amen.