Did you know I was born in the 1960s BCG? Are you scratching your head and thinking: “Now Brooke, even though you graduated in the 80s, you’re not over two thousand years old.” I definitely am not, but I still arrived Before Computer Games.
While BCG is true for many people, my generation was the first to experience computerized games back in the late 1970s. There were arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and my personal favorite: Centipede. Not to brag, but back in the day, were a few times I was the top scorer of it, but that status never lasted too long. As much as I enjoyed playing the those games, nothing could top the tree roots.
No, it was not a computer game, but rather they were real tree roots we used to play on back in elementary school. Listen, these were not just any old tree roots. Oh no. They were huge and twisted down the hill. It was as if God said: “ I hand made these for you all to play on and have fun.” Boy did we ever. Even though Green Hill had a pretty good playground behind it, we were excited when the teacher announced: “We’re going out front today.” As soon as we stepped out of the school door, it was literally a race between the girls and the boys. Why? Because the ones that reached the roots first got to play on them.
If the boys got there first, they usually pretended the roots were an army base or some kind of fort. Now when we girls reached them first, we usually played house. No, this wasn’t just any old house. Instead, we pretended they were mansions or palaces. Also, we played off of each other’s imaginations. Somebody would suggest a drawbridge or maybe furniture made of candy. The only suggestions they didn’t like were mine. If you’re thinking I wanted the roots to be a space ship, you would be correct. Also, they didn’t like the thought of dinosaurs living in the mansions or palaces either. As for the boys, I didn’t play with them, but I daresay they used their imaginations too.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they not be highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV)
I really do believe God handmade those roots for us on which to play. In fact, He has given us many things to enjoy and we take them for granted. Whether you were born before computer games came along or afterwards, it would probably be good to take just a few minutes each day to step outside, take in a deep breath, and enjoy the Lord’s creation. I daresay you’ll enjoy more than you realize. Also, don’t forget to use your imagination.
The picture with the article is of my cousins playing on the tree roots back in the 70s. To be honest, it doesn’t the roots justice. But when I saw the picture as a kid, my first thought was: “Now why didn’t they take me with them?” I bet they would have at least liked my dinosaur idea.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.