Gratitude #1: Video Games

In honor of Thanksgiving, and for my own exercise in the practice, I will be making a daily gratitude post for this week.

Today, I have gratitude for video games. Yes, I mean that 100% unironically.

Video games, like any form of entertainment, respond to the intentions of the user; and while there's plenty of video games that are time-and-soul wasters, I've found there to be plenty that are not.

I'm in gratitude for how my Nintendo Switch allows me to facilitate really fun and entertaining experiences for my friends and family. There's nothing like a few Mario Kart races or Mario Party minigames to get the competitive juices flowing, or a few levels of Kirby Star Allies to have an adventure right there in the living room. As one important tool in the arsenal, I find a lot of joy in the moments of bonding that have come with friends and family through the use of the Switch.

On the other hand, I'm in gratitude for the multitude of video games whose subtlety and artistry facilitate personal insights on the same level as some of my favorite music, poetry and literature. 

Subnautica helped me realize that even with the best of tools available, there are forces out in the world that will readily defeat or kill me. Only by accepting their reality and moving forward anyway do I have any chance of making something incredible of my life. 

The simple tale of Ori and the Blind Forest taught me that the spirit of loving-kindness can triumph over awful obstacles, and turn even the darkest of enemies into friends. 

Hollow Knight warned me that tragedy befalls those who place their trust in their own knowledge, power, and possessions.

Child of Light reminded me that the power of innocence and friendship can rewrite fate. 

Starcraft helped me understand that I can meet and defeat challenges if I have the right tools in the right combination at the right time.

Starcraft also helped me understand that while the all-to-human demons such as "love of power" or "revenge" that drives many, it is the also-all-to-human love and respect of another that gives one the power to overcome those demons, and thereby, gain freedom. (Warning: video contains mild violence.)

Breath of the Wild reminded me that discipline, knowledge and scientific knowledge are not, by themselves enough; one must love enough to sacrifice if they want the power to make a saving difference.

The Last of Us reminded me that in a world hopelessly broken, it is only Christ's power of redemption that we have any promise. (warning, there are swears in the video.)

Video games, like any art, help to reveal the workings of our minds by dissociating them the real world where they are "supposed" to happen. By bringing them into our consciousness through an unearthly medium (the digital) they can highlight new areas of growth and learning otherwise unavailable.

For their positive impact on relationships, and for helping me learn beautiful things, I am deeply grateful for video games

Or, as they say in Kentuckian, "Vidyagames"