Each of us is homo ludens in this game called life

How is a football game like the game of life? Thomas Moore responds today in his blog post "The Super Game of Life" at Soul & Spirit with Patheos. Moore outlines:

"Football is played on a field carefully marked out with yard lines, a clear boundary, and rules so precise that referees act like lawyers interpreting and judging whether players are following the rules or not. Religion scholars speak of a temenos or boundary for spiritual activity, and usually the football field works just like a temenos without the obvious connection with spiritual concerns.

Games also play out the great patterns and mysteries of life. I felt that yesterday’s Super Bowl showed us a serious mystery worth reflecting on that has to do with the unfolding of our personal lives and of society, as well. Most of us occasionally find ourselves losing the game of life. We may have money problems or sickness to deal with. It may seem that there is no likelihood of success, no chance of a good outcome. Yet, somehow, at the last minute, some unexpected resource that we’ve had all along stirs and comes into play."

Do they share themes of hope, endurance, trust and faith?