God's Coaching #91

God's Coaching #91

The latest Guitar Hero–style video game looked amazing . . . or, at least, really interesting. On April 1, 2009, Microsoft announced the release of Alpine Legend, an interactive yodeling-and-alphorn rhythm game for the Xbox 360. The game trailer showed two competitors dressed in German lederhosen. One was yodeling, while the other blew into a six-foot-long, curved plastic horn. Alpine Legend featured classic hit songs such as “Whose Spit Is in My Horn?” and “More Goat Bell.” For a limited time, players could purchase a tri-horn pack and become a “tri-horn blast master.”

It didn’t take people long to figure out that Alpine Legend was an April Fool’s joke from Microsoft. The silly costumes and ridiculous yodeling made people laugh when they thought about the possibility of the new game. Sure, there were rock-band games, bongo-playing games, and other rhythm titles. But the world is going to have to wait awhile longer for a yodeling-and-alphorn video game.

What’s the Score?

Nobody knows exactly why or when April Fool’s Day started. Some historians trace it back to the 1600s in France. Others believe this wacky day sprouted up in different cultures as they celebrated the first day of spring. Even though countries celebrate differently, tricks and jokes highlight this special day around the world.

It doesn’t get talked about much, but God is a big fan of joy and fun. God created everything good, and that includes laughter. The writer of Psalm 126 notes that after witnessing God’s power, “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” God wants us to be joyful. He loves when his children laugh. So have fun on April Fool’s Day. Plan a silly stunt. Just remember to keep your pranks harmless. Laughing at somebody else’s expense isn’t fun; it’s just mean. But when everybody is laughing together, it’s way more fun than playing Alpine Legend or any other video game.

On the Ball

Do you like to play April Fool’s jokes? If you do, make sure everybody laughs together—not at one person.

Coach’s Comment

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” Psalm 126:2