Thoughts, Prayers & Art

Yesterday, just before our clergy conference began, my mentor sat me down and introduced me to the game of chess. I’d always been fascinated by the idea of it—the intricate movements, the strategy, the patience it demands—but I’d never really learned to play. As we laid out the board and arranged the pieces, my mentor explained their roles, the rules of movement, and the significance of each move. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was no ordinary game. Chess, it turns out, is as much about life and faith as it is about strategy.

The board itself became a kind of parable for me, filled with lessons about who we are, how we relate to one another, and how God moves through our lives.

Finding Ourselves in the Pieces

The chessboard is a world unto itself, made up of pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, queens, and kings. As I learned about each piece, I couldn’t help but think of the people in our lives and the roles they play.

The pawns, for instance, reminded me of all the people who quietly work behind the scenes—parents, teachers, grocery clerks, caregivers. Their steps may seem small and unassuming, but they’re essential to the whole. Like the pawns, these everyday heroes often have the potential for greatness. When a pawn reaches the other side of the board, it transforms into a queen, the most powerful piece. Doesn’t that echo how God sees us? We may feel small or ordinary, but God sees what we can become.

The knights reminded me of those who protect us—first responders, community leaders, friends who stand by us in difficult times. Their movement is unique, leaping into places others can’t reach, often unexpectedly.

The bishops felt like the spiritual guides in our lives—clergy, mentors, or those wise souls who help us navigate life’s challenges. They move diagonally, seeing things from a different perspective, just as faith often calls us to do.

The queen? She’s the powerhouse, versatile and capable, the one who can do almost anything. Maybe she represents the strength God gives us when we rely on divine grace.

And then there’s the king. At first, I wondered why such an important piece moves so slowly. But then it struck me—sometimes the most important things in life require us to slow down. The king represents what we protect, what matters most. For me, that’s family, faith, and the call God has placed on my life.

Lessons from the Board

As my mentor and I played, the game began to feel like a conversation with God. Each move carried a lesson, each strategy a reflection on life.

Sacrifice and Love

One of the first things I learned in chess is that sometimes you have to give something up to gain something greater. That’s a hard truth, isn’t it? Whether it’s sacrificing a piece on the board or making a tough decision in life, we’re reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. Love often requires us to let go—for the good of others, for the sake of something bigger.

Thinking Ahead

Chess is all about planning your moves, anticipating outcomes. In life, too, we’re called to be thoughtful stewards of our time, resources, and relationships. But here’s the catch: in chess and in life, we don’t always know what the other side will do. That’s where faith comes in. We do our part, but we also trust in God’s guidance.

Community Matters

No piece can win a game on its own. Chess teaches us the importance of working together, of recognizing that every role matters. In our communities, we’re all connected. The loss or triumph of one person affects the whole, just as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

How Chess Mirrors Our Faith

As I reflected on the game later that evening, I realized how deeply chess resonates with our spiritual journey. The board, like life, is filled with light and dark squares—good days and bad, triumphs and struggles. The pieces remind us of our unique callings, and the interplay between them shows us the beauty of cooperation.

Theologically, chess also speaks to the mystery of God’s providence and our free will. God, like the master chess player, sees the whole board, the bigger picture. We, like the pieces, make our moves, sometimes boldly, sometimes hesitantly. And yet, God works through it all, weaving together our choices into something meaningful.

What We Can Learn

In life, we’re all players on the board, navigating challenges, making sacrifices, and seeking connection. Chess teaches us to value every role, to trust in transformation, and to think beyond the immediate.

So, as I think back on my first game of chess, I’m left with this: What piece are you in this season of your life? A pawn, stepping forward with faith? A knight, leaping into new challenges? Or perhaps a queen, called to lead with strength and grace?

Wherever you are, remember this: God sees the whole board. Trust in the journey, honor the roles of others, and play the game of life with faith, love, and strategy. After all, the game isn’t about winning—it’s about becoming who God created you to be.

Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca