The horrible blessings game

A number of years ago I heard of a Blessings Game that was recommended to families. It starts off with each family member identifying blessings, writing them down on little slips of paper and arranging them on the table. Such things as good health, friendly neighbors, grandparents, and opportunities for school come out immediately. Imagination is helpful as time goes on and indoor plumbing, my new running shoes, a roof that doesn't leak, and chocolate pudding are added. Soon the table is covered with happy little scraps. It seems to be a lesson about gratitude.

Part 2 of the game brings about a change in the atmosphere. Everyone is asked to choose what they would be willing to do without. "Okay, I guess I don't really need the collection of DVD's." Dad is surprised when one of the kids is willing to do without a lawn mower and the kids are perplexed that Dad is willing to toss out the TV. Round after round of sacrifices are made and soon one of the family says, "I don't want to play anymore," but the game must go on and the "Blessings Game" turns into the "Horrible Game". Eventually we are choosing between health and shelter. Clearly the lesson has turned into one about priorities.

The legislature is playing this horrible game now. We know that these times call for sacrifices and no one will be spared some sacrifice. It is critical, however, that the long-range effects of the choices are part of the consideration. I may be willing to do without tools if it came down to tools or skills needed to use them. But if as a community we lose both the tools and the skills to work once again when times are better, we have turned a crisis into a chronic condition.

As a people we are resilient and can give until it hurts. We can deal with "downs", knowing that "ups" will soon come along. We do not, however, want to see ourselves in a nosedive and headed into the ground. We must be assured that when the crisis is past we will have the skills, if not the same tools, to rebuild neglected infrastructure and to put lives back together.