"Writing and reading allow one's consciousness to find and take shelter in another. When the mind of the reader and writer perfectly and inimitably connect, objects, events, and emotions become doubly vivid—realer, somehow, than real things. I have spent most of my life seeking out these connections and attempting to create my own. Today, however, the pleasures of literary connection seem leftover and familiar. Today, the most consistently pleasurable pursuit in my life is playing video games."

The above quote comes from the book "Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter" by Tom Bissell. You can read an excerpt from it here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127597416&sc=fb&cc=fp As a lifelong video game fan, I found this very interesting.

I won't repeat the entire excerpt here, but basically this guy is explaining why video games have become such an attractive pursuit to him. He feels as though a well made game connects him to a story or a world that is outside of himself. It gives him a sense of connection with something bigger, something different than the mundane, humdrum experiences of everyday life. I can totally relate to him because I am a big fan of good stories, no matter what medium they are told in. I love reading novels, playing video games, and watching movies or T.V. shows that portray well thought out and captivating story lines. Video games tend to be the most addicting for me because they are interactive, allowing me to take an active part in the story. Of course, now that I have become much busier, I rarely have time to invest in video games (which I am not complaining about, there are many much more fulfilling things that I do with my time). But I still enjoy "escaping" into a good story now and then.

In reading this book excerpt, I was reminded of how all humans have the desire to connect with something outside of themselves. Everybody wants to be a part of something bigger than they are. We want to know that we are making a difference, that our lives will count for something. We are not just satisfied with getting up, going to work, eating, and going to bed.

Many people have to turn to fantasy to fulfill that need, because their "real" life isn't doing it for them. That's why fantasy games like "World of Warcraft" are so popular. They provide an escape from an otherwise boring existence and connection with others in a story that is bigger than themselves.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a little bit of fantasy every now and then, but as Christians we don't have to use fiction as an escape from life. As believers, we are part of a story that God has been writing for all of eternity! Our lives have real meaning and are being used to accomplish things much bigger than us! Even the most mundane details of our lives hold new meaning when we consider how God is using us to accomplish His will! God allows us to be active participants in His huge story of redemption! We need to be inviting others who are searching for connection with something bigger than themselves to join us in the biggest and most exciting story of all!