Morning Devotional
April 24, 2004
"Lessons From LEGOs"
by Don Emmitte

 

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3 NLT).

 

We have a LEGO table at work for the children to play with while their parents shop. It is very popular. Everyday there is a new creation left on the table. Some children construct tall buildings, while others merely create a colorful design on the tabletop. Each one is unique since it has sprung from their imagination.

 

I decided to do a little research. It was in 1949 that the first sets of Automatic Binding Bricks were sold, exclusively in Denmark, by the LEGO Company. These bricks were very similar to the LEGO brick invented in 1958, except that they did not have tubes on the inside of the brick. The LEGO Futura division was established in 1959 with a five-person staff. It is this group that is responsible for coming up with all of the exciting, new LEGO sets that are released each year. It is estimated that during the past 40 years, more than 300 million children have played with LEGO bricks.

 

While doing this research I came across the following “LEGO Lessons for Life.” The writer says: “Life might be less complicated for all of us if we each received our own LEGO kit at birth. Yes, I realize there is a choking hazard for children under three. But when you are old enough, you can learn a lot from LEGOs. I have learned that:”

 

·         Size doesn't matter. When stepped on in the dark, a 2X2 LEGO brick causes the same amount of pain as a 2X8 brick.

·         All LEGO men are created equal (1.5625 inches tall). What they become is limited only by imagination.

·         There is strength in numbers. When the bricks stick together, great things can be accomplished.

·         Playtime is important. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you are building, as long as you're having fun.

·         Disaster happens. But the pieces can be put back together again.

·         Every brick has a purpose. Some are made for a specific spot - most can adapt almost anywhere - but every one will fit somewhere.

·         Color doesn't matter. A blue brick will fit in the same space as a red brick.

·         No one is indispensable. If one brick is unavailable, another can take its place.

·         It doesn't always turn out as planned. Sometimes it turns out better. If it doesn't, you can always try again.

 

Wisdom is found in many sources. True wisdom may be measured against the truth of the Scripture. As I read these lessons from LEGOs, they seemed to ring true to me. I pray they might for you as well!