I am no chess master.  Have never learnt the “classic attack” moves. Yet, since schoolboy chess club days, I have enjoyed the occasional challenge of the chess game.  Thinking ahead several moves, yours and your opponents,. The tension, the drawn out slow strategy, move by move. The sudden climatic checkmate. Sacrificing key men for the greater good,  visible deception unnoticed. Then the surrender or even better the surprise checkmate.

Many a night was spent with my young son as we wrestled over a game of chess. Too easy really as a seven-year old, so Dad would start with fewer men. Was not long before that was not necessary. His forte, dismembering my board one man at a time. I could not be distracted by the “6 o’clock News” or I would be staring defeat in the face.

Today, son is the acknowledged master. Occasionally we again challenge each other to another game. The outcome fairly predictable, although it is with some satisfaction I see son a picture of concentration. He knows one lapse and this wily old Dad will have him, with I must say much fanfare.

No doubt one of the appeals of the game of chess is it so illustrates the game of life.

Was a game of chess

easy really.

Opposition

not too hard.

Take him out

one by one.

Relax, this will be

easily won.

Game goes on.

Then I notice.

Could be trouble?

Realised he could,

burst my bubble.

I know I have,

a big problem.

Takes my Queen,

then another man.

I realise then,

that is his plan.

To late

for I have lost

all my men.

What fool

I was

at the start.

When confident

feeling smart

Lost now

my game of chess.

should have won.

Foolishness,

is my fate,

all lost.

Checkmate?

Gen 4:7

“If you do what is right,

will you not be accepted?

But if you do not do what is right,

sin is couching at your door;

It desires to have you,

but you must master it.”

1 Peter 5:8

“Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around,

like a roaring lion.,

looking for someone to devour.”

by Asaw Miller

Sometimes the cause,

has greater power than fear.

Sometimes courage with persistence,

makes this so clear.

To put yourself at risk,

even your life on the line.

Could be what hard hearts,

need for a sign.

Transform their thinking,

and make them aware.

Amazed at your courage,

and how much you care.

Asaw Miller

It was with some amazement,

I felt quite unqualified.

Yet it was me he asked,

Much responsibility, implied.

What about those other men.

Much better in every way.

But no they said it’s you we choose.

To lead us into, another day.

Can it possibly be ,  oh foolish dream.

Can they really know what they do mean?

It cannot be.  I am full of doubt.

Do they really know what they’re about?

Yes they said,  it is your opportunity.

Surely the time prepared for you.

Just relax have faith,

To God and yourself, time to be true.

Take up the appointment,

The job is just right.

Do your very best.

You’ll be filled with delight.

Asaw Miller

Sometimes I look for intricate solutions to impossible problems,

I give up, put in the too hard basket, concentrate on the do-able,

But then the seemingly impossible has become possible. I have a solution.

People look in amazed admiration.  I realize so simple.

Not exactly sure why my solution worked?  The insurmountable overcome.

Exciting success that I have instigated.  Yet there is a mystery,

My success is not logical. At least I know that.

But the world just sees an amazing breakthrough, which they thought was impossible.

Anythings possible.

…………………………………………………..

Too hard,  too hard.

Seems to me like the impossible.

Don’t try too hard,

Beware of looking just like a fool.

Too often in the past,

I have tried in faith and failed.

Never easy or simple.

Hard work has been what is hailed.

Though maybe, there is an easier way?

That could lead higher.

A way that has no struggle, that is amazing.

And will even inspire.

When with no real effort.

Something totally new comes about.

A whole new way of thinking.

Too easy……my heart full of doubt.

But then I start writing,

Seemed to make things so clear.

Was a breakthrough, I could soar,

Like a wood pigeon floating in air.

A freedom to say and to feel.

To discover this ability and gift.

For me was so exciting.

And gave my spirit a great lift.

Yet a mystery why I had never,

seen or tried this before.

Or is it only now that I am ready.

Willing to open this new door.

Afraid to be different, to take a risk.

Missed chances, can be so sad.

But now anything is possible.

My heart’s desire can be had

Anythings possible

Asaw Miller

It was a long lost friend that caught up with me.

My friend was in trouble as far as I could see.

It felt good that he came , to me as a good friend.

Needing help, Oh how I wanted to see him just mend.

Another friend then also decided to come our way.

To walk with us through hill and bush all day.

My friends decided they would rest a while.

It seemed a good idea, and brought a smile.

But then I had to leave them there,

Looking all safe, and in good care.

So I crossed a valley, steep and wide.

Looked back, and then…. I nearly died.

Saw wild dogs, savage, about to kill.

My two dear friends on that far hill.

I cried and yelled a warning, but too late.

I could not help, I would have the same fate.

My friends, my friends, so sad to see.

Why did you choose to not journey with me?

by Asaw Miller