Chess, Checkers, and Cheer!

“After a while they played at forfeits; for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.” – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol 

“Y’all have changed my attitude. Thank you.” 

“This has made my day.”

“That’s my game. Tell ‘em that’s my game. I’m the boss.” 

These proclamations could be heard this past December 16th on the rutted brick paths of Eastern Market, smoothed by a multitude of passersby, as seminarians set up shop to mingle mirth and merriment with such “fellow travelers to the grave” (Dickens, A Christmas Carol). Sing-song carols and Greatest Christmas Hits were lulled in the background as conversations were had, and laughs were merited over games, candy, coffee and donuts (affectionately termed “wake-up juice and power-rings”) with those in need. Challenges were made, risks were taken, triumphs were celebrated on the battle boards of chess, checkers, and the high-towering, hollowed wall of Connect Four. Common strangers with different stories gathered around our table as we introduced ourselves and had an encounter. 

“Chess, Checkers, and Cheer” was a joyful activity where seminarians and the public joined one another for a time of fellowship. Looking on, one could see smiles mirroring each other, furrowed brows knitting over a pawn, or heads bowed in prayer. It was most rewarding as people of varied journeys came to express their gratitude. Gratitude for the day, the food, their families, their journey. Gratitude for a cheerful setting where they could express their thanksgiving to God, or tell of their hurts and losses, and be heard by a receptive ear. 

No expectations, but only invitations, were made. And the common reactions by both parties, or opponents, having been open to accepting the gift, or the challenge, of the other person was that of blessing. 

As we were closing up for the afternoon, one man who began conversation with me saying “I’m not a religious man.”, concluded with him leading the seminarians in prayer, “Heavenly Father, thank You for these my brothers…”