Roles We Play in the Game of Life

In the game of life, what roles are you currently playing? By "role" I don't mean formal position, like starting quarterback or point guard, but more or less the contributions you are making as you go about living. Are you content with the roles that you play, or do you desire a change?

It's not a new metaphor, but one that I find quite intriguing. Of course we know that in reality, life is not a game, with winners or losers, though it does at times appear to be a semblance of one. Over the course of a lifetime, the average person oscillates between roles - often juggling several simultaneously - as their maturity level, personal circumstances, and priorities change. Sometimes we find ourselves playing roles that feel quite natural to us, while other times we may find ourselves way outside of our comfort zone and longing for a way up or out.

Some of the roles that people have a tendency to play over the course of their lives include:

Star Athlete - Some folks love to bring the razzle-dazzle to life. We can always count on them to steal the spotlight, and many times we even shine it on them just for the thrill. While most star athletes have worked hard to achieve their status, you will occasionally find one who was "thrust" into the position for one reason or another and may or may not feel comfortable in that role. Then there are those people who are star athletes only in their own minds, and those who just somehow managed to get lucky...

Team Captains - People who are team captains in life seem to have a gift for inspiring the masses into action. They are not just good for giving words of wisdom; they are always and forever active participants in every game. A good team captain is rarely self-centered and will always look out for the good of the team.

Coaches - The best coaches are often the veterans of life who can use the experience they have gained to enlighten others and help them move forward on their journey. Coaches are invaluable resources, but not always respected for the knowledge that they bring to the game of life.