I love a good poker game. I was a fan of poker when Texas Hold ‘Em wasn’t cool. I’ve always been able to relate many of life’s moments to a game of skill and chance.
Even Kenny Rogers related life to knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.
Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about.
· Sometimes we win. Sometimes we lose.
· Sometimes we aren’t sure but find the risk worth it.
· Sometimes we don’t pay attention to the table and make poor decisions.
· Sometimes we don’t pay attention to the table and really luck out.
· Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand.
· Sometimes it’s a good idea to cash in.
So, here is my point. How do you know when it’s okay to cash in?
Here’s my real life example.
During my tumultuous first pregnancy, I hung in there hoping that things would work themselves out between my husband and me. I’ll never forget my good friend telling me, “No one would blame you if you cashed your chips in now.”
And while I wasn’t quite ready to cash in, I always appreciated that statement.
Eventually, I knew it was time to cash in, and I did. But not after I had exhausted every resource, prayed every prayer, and allowed for a thousand opportunities. I had to know that I cashed in after playing the best game I could with the cards I had been dealt. To be honest, I feel like I did.
And, I would say to anyone….
Before you give up on your career, your children, or your marriage, play the rounds the very best you can. Give God every opportunity to deal you a couple of Aces in the hole. But also remember, God cannot affect another’s will. Well, I suppose He could if He wanted, but that’s not His style. And sometimes the choices of others force us to cash in even when we don’t want to. If at the end of the day, you have done all you can do, no will blame you for cashing in. And, if you remain faithful to Him, He is sure to deal you a better hand next time. When He does, it’s up to you to play it well.
Have you ever cashed in?
DustyTakle.com 
We had the perfect oppertunity to “cash in” & throw the hand, but we didn’t.
My husband & I are a statistic. In September 1981, our youngest son was born. In August 1983, he died in a drowning accident at my father-in-law’s lake property. (Chris & I were married in June 1979.) 95% of the couples something like that happens to, don’t stay married. We did. The first year was touch & go. The rage, the guilt, the bitterness all threatened us. The rage at God for allowing such a thing to happen was all consuming. We managed not to blame each other, so that helped. We grew closer because of it. If we beat that, we can beat anything this earth can throw at us. We just celebrated our 29th anniversary.
Yeah, we were tempted to throw the game, but didn’t, & have been glad of it ever since.
Dusty,
You don’t know me, but I am very good friends with Karen and Jason Clark. I love your blogs and you have helped me get thru a lot in my life right now. Keep them coming and thanks 🙂
Dusty, you have no idea how much your blogs ring true to so many lives! Sometimes I wonder if God is working through you to affect my life…and the things I have going on. I’m sure there are a ton of people that read your blog everyday that wonder if you’ve been watching their life and responding through your blogs…so the questions is this, are you watching me? Hee, hee.
God bless you big! You are an inspiration!
I have cashed in more in poker than in life thanks to God