Sounds of the Old Arcade

This is one of those few things I have in life that I would consider "luxurious."  Madison and I have been playing Street Fighter II downstairs in our basement from time to time, all as a part of celebrating this series.  She loves playing as Chun Li, and in fact has never played anyone else really. It's a good choice - that's essentially all that Daddy used to begin with too.  I got really good with her, even versus a few of those standard Ken and Ryu players.  There's a predictable pattern with many of them, and it's understandable in many cases.

Anyway, we've been doing that arcade thing a lot lately, and it's great to do that at church with so many kids around.  We have these cabinet games there, and all lined up, it feels just like an old arcade, complete with all the sounds.  There have been a few times where Madison and Daddy will be sitting there playing an old arcade game - in this case "Tetris," as others are playing around us.  Or sometimes, in this photo below, we're playing after everyone has gone.

They're all dated arcade games, and there is this certain sound of an old arcade, of all these games playing at once, of hands pressing buttons and of kids celebrating or groaning.

I still remember going to a friend's birthday party, one where we had unlimited access to all the latest arcade games.  It was such a great birthday party - I couldn't wait to play "Tron" over and over again. And there's something special about "Pac-Man."  It's not just the game itself, but also the music and sound effects that bring you right back to a place and time not long ago.

It was Wednesday night service and Madison was with us for the evening, as there isn't a test or anything tomorrow.  Nor is there an early morning, so we figured it would be okay for tonight.  It was a large-group setting - we were learning about the power of prayer.  Daddy had this illustration on stage where one kid was playing with his Daddy, spending time together.  The two were with each other all the time, so when someone representing trouble came in, it was easier for the Dad to simply stand up and face off against trouble.  But the other son, the one who was not with the Dad at all... that one was a little more vulnerable.  Not to say that the Daddy wouldn't be there for him.  It's just that the one that spent all his time talking and playing with Dad was certainly in a better position.  the Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing," and that illustration showed how it helps to be constantly in communication with our Heavenly Father.

Anyway, it was a great night overall.  We had a good time, and of course we prayed tonight.  We had time to read too, continuing our journey into the old attic with Nancy Drew.  October is slipping by, but it's been nice.