Ahhh…Fridays!  We all look forward to them! For the majority of people, it’s the end of the daily work grind! It means a two-day break from the difficult boss, that we not only have to be civil and respectful to, but we also have to carry out his orders and try to please! Two days away from grueling and tedious work tasks.  The number one reason (at least for me, anyway, when I was still working) I looked forward to Friday was Saturday morning!  A chance to sleep in and have a lazy and leisurely morning! 

Today, Fridays have a whole new meaning for me! A couple of months ago, a great friend of mine told me about game day at her church and invited me to come.  I haven’t missed a day yet! One reason why I like it is, I can get to the church all on my own, on my scooter!  I really love that feeling of independence!

They have a nice café where we gather and play. I usually leave early and have brunch! I’m the kind of person who needs a lot of help and patience.  I have one speed-SLOW!  The slowest drying paint dries faster than me! I tell everyone, if you ever see me in a store, rush and beat me to the check-out line.  You do not want to be stuck behind me or you will be putting yourself at risk of actually being there until Christmas! The people that work in the café are fantastic!  The food is really great! 

I’ve only been going to game day a few months and I already have a whole new group of terrific friends!  The name of the group is Young at Heart… I knew right away that it was a place for me! They have been so warm and welcoming!  The way they make me feel reminds me of a line in the theme song to “Cheers”… “Where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” 

There are three card games I know how to play. Notice, I just said know how to play, I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not a seasoned player. The three card games are Euchre, Golf and Rook.  One thing I like about them is that the names themselves sound so intellectual and sophisticated! (A lot more than Go Fish or Old Maid!)

Over the years, I have picked up a few unwritten rules… you know, that only hip people like myself would know, Ha ha ha!  The rule is that you knock on the table with your fist to indicate to the other players that you want to pass and not name trump!  If I do nothing else in the game right, at least I can knock! It always makes me feel so official and legit! 

I will be completely honest with you…I like to win!  My Mom was the type of person who, when you played games with her, would actually cheer you on and congratulate you on your good moves!  I did not inherit that trait from her.  I am by no means cut-throat, maybe somewhere in the middle.  I try my best, but I will also say that even when I lose, it’s just fun hanging out with my friends!

A month ago, the group decided that on the second Monday of every month, we would have a progressive Euchre tournament.  Well, our first tournament was this past September 11 and guess who brought home the winning trophy! Yes, me, yours truly!  I think having the knocking action down pat really clinched it for me! Ha ha ha ha!  My trophy-the winner’s trophy- says, “Euchre, Eucan, Eudid.”   They also give a consolation trophy to the loser and I’m pretty sure it says,  “Euchre, Eucould,  Eudidn’t”!

At a normal game day there are several tables playing different games, the usual games being Euchre, Dominos and Golf.  Every now and then a group will bring out a different game to play.  I also enjoy playing the card game Golf, a new game I’ve learned since joining the group this past summer.  I’ve met one of the sweetest women ever!  I have a little trouble picking up the cards,  and she’ll say, “Cate, come sit by me so that I can help you”.   She’s my little Golf buddy and helper!  Whoever says, “Christians, don’t have any fun”,  is 100% absolutely wrong!  WE DO! 

There is a special bond among a group of people who all believe, live for and love God.  The joy spills out to the people around them; they really do express caring, helping and love!  Face it, we Christians, need each other now more than ever, in this rough, tough and ugly world!  If you’re looking for a group of people to show you the care, help and love of Christ, find a game day at a church!  It really worked for me!  Let’s learn to care, help and love each other! After all, we’ll be spending a very long time together! All eternity!