Do you remember drawing a hopscotch grid on your driveway or playground? We numbered the chalked boxes from one to ten, the tenth being slightly larger and arched to facilitate turning around. We carefully chose a flat stone as our marker because a round one could bounce.
A player tossed her rock into the hopscotch grid and hopped from square to square on one foot, but not in the square with her rock in it. When she reached grid ten, she turned around and hopped back. She once again skipped the square with her rock, but now she paused to pick it up.
The game required agility and balance. It also had a lot of rules:
- If the tossed stone landed outside the lines, they lost their turn.
- If a player hopped on the wrong square, they lost their turn.
- If a player hopped outside the hopscotch grid, they lost their turn.
- If a player stepped on a line, they lost their turn.
- If a player put both feet inside a square, they lost their turn.
In light of my Red Rover post, you may wonder if I also find life lessons in Hopscotch. Yes, I do!
- Keep your eye on the goal—don’t be distracted.
- Watch your step—God gives us boundaries for a reason.
- Aim accurately—don’t live carelessly.
- Progress in an orderly fashion—there are no shortcuts to holiness.
- Make choices that won’t bounce—choose life tools (stones) that will move you forward and assure victory.
Life’s successes follow those who live within God’s guidelines.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Proverbs 3:1-2
BARBARA HIGBY 