The Glad Game

The Glad Game

Bible Blast: Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-12

Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Pollyanna is a classic novel written in 1913. It’s all about a little girl who has to live with her wealthy but cold-hearted Aunt Polly in the town of Beldingsville, Vermont. Living with Aunt Polly would be really hard for most young girls, but not for Pollyanna because she plays the Glad Game. Pollyanna and her dad were poor, and their Christmas presents would come as donations from others. One year when Pollyanna was really hoping for a doll for Christmas, the only donation they received was a pair of crutches. Her dad immediately made up the Glad Game, a game that challenges the player to think of something to be thankful for even if it’s hard. Pollyanna’s dad looked at the crutches and said that she could be glad about those crutches because she doesn’t need them. This began a habit of looking at the good side of things everywhere Pollyanna went.

So when Aunt Polly made Pollyanna sleep in the attic with no pictures on the walls or rugs on the floors, Pollyanna was glad for the beautiful view from her window. Her positive view of life soon spread throughout the whole town of Beldingsville, and her spirit of thankfulness really changed people’s lives. Eventually even mean Aunt Polly gave in to the Glad Game, and her heart softened as she learned to love again.

Pollyanna learned a big lesson about being thankful when she had an accident, but I’m not going to tell you what happens. You’ll have to read it for yourself!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to play the Glad Game! Today’s Kickin’ Kraft will help you get started!