Learn to Play with Those and...

I've been playing cards for more than 50 years.

My dad taught me to play cribbage at a very young age so I could learn counting. In fact, my kindergarten teacher once told my parents, "Bryan is a very bright boy. We just need him to remember 1–2–3–4–5 instead of Ace–2–3–4–5."

True story.

Later on, my dad introduced me to a great four-person, two-team card game called Whist. He liked it because it was a quiet game that required strategy, patience, and concentration. Over the years, there was one phrase he used anytime someone at the table complained about the cards they were dealt:

"Learn to play with those, and we'll get you some better ones."

It was never fun to hear in the moment. But looking back, that line carries far more meaning than I realized at the time.

I've repeated that phrase many times since—often with my own children, and sometimes with people who feel like life has dealt them a bad hand. What struck me most about playing Whist with my dad wasn't whether we were winning or losing. It was his attitude. Regardless of the score, he was joyful. He never let the cards determine his mood. In fact, when he was dealt a difficult hand, he seemed to lean into it even more.

Another lesson he taught me at the table has stayed with me just as clearly. He'd say, "Son, watch the table. Don't stare at your hand."

In other words, I would be a better player if I paid attention to what was happening around me instead of fixating on what I had been dealt. By watching the table, I could learn the strengths and weaknesses of the other players, figure out how to help my partner, and make smarter decisions. Ultimately, I needed to take my focus off myself and place it on others.

The bottom line is that a simple family card game taught me a surprising number of life lessons.

Some key takeaways I still carry with me:

• Help your teammate whenever possible
• Pay attention to others; focusing only on your own hand limits your perspective
• Don't complain about the hand you've been dealt—embrace it with joy
• Be thankful for the opportunity to play at all

Thanks, Dad. I miss you.

~ Bryan