What was your first ever videogame?
My first-ever video game was on an Atari console, played with a joystick.
That was several years ago, long before Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation became part of my own gaming experience. I cannot recall the name of the first game, but I remember the console and those joysticks.
Looking back now, it is remarkable how much gaming has changed. Yet this simple question—“What was your first ever video game?”—has taken my thoughts beyond technology and childhood memories.
It has made me think about direction, choices and the person holding the controls.
A Joystick, a Direction and a Choice
The joystick was a small thing, but what you did with it affected what happened on the screen. You could not keep moving in one direction and reasonably expect to arrive somewhere else.
There is a lesson in that for everyday life.
Our habits, priorities and decisions influence the direction we travel. What we repeatedly give our attention to gradually shapes our thinking. The choices we dismiss as small can become the patterns that define our days.
As a Christian, I have to ask myself: Are my daily decisions taking me towards the life God has called me to live?
Proverbs 3:5–6 says:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6, KJV
There is something deeply practical about acknowledging God in all our ways. It means bringing Him into our plans, our relationships, our work and even the way we spend our leisure time.
We can pray for God’s direction while remaining determined to follow our own. Trust requires a willingness to listen—and to change direction when He corrects us.
Enjoy the Game, Remember Your Responsibilities
Remembering Atari makes me smile. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a game, sharing laughter or taking time to rest.
But enjoyment needs its proper place.
As a husband, father, pastor and public health professional, I have responsibilities that require my presence and attention. Something can be enjoyable and still take more time than I ought to give it.
That applies to much more than gaming. It could be scrolling through social media, watching television or becoming so absorbed in work that the people closest to us receive only what is left of our energy.
Scripture says:
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV
“I will not be brought under the power of any” is a searching statement.
Can I put it down when I need to? Can I give my family my full attention? Can I make room for prayer without constantly reaching for a screen?
These are questions worth asking ourselves honestly.
Life Has No Restart Button—but There Is Grace
Many games give us another attempt when things go wrong. Life does not allow us to replay yesterday and make it happen differently.
Words spoken cannot be made unspoken. Time spent cannot be recovered. Some decisions leave consequences that require patience, repentance and practical steps to address.
Yet the Christian message gives us real hope: our past failures do not place us beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
We cannot change yesterday, but we can turn to God today.
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23, KJV
God’s mercy gives us reason to rise, learn and walk differently. We can apologise where we have hurt someone, correct an unhealthy habit and begin giving attention to what we have neglected.
There is grace for a fresh beginning, even when there is no way to erase the past.
What Deserves Your Attention Today?
My first gaming experience belonged to the Atari era. Technology has moved on considerably since then, but the importance of using our time wisely remains.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15–16, KJV
I want to enjoy the good things in life with gratitude while remaining attentive to the people and responsibilities God has entrusted to me.
I want my children to remember a father who was present. I want my wife to know she has my attention. I want my service to God and my work to reflect care, faithfulness and purpose.
Those desires must be reflected in the choices I make today.
So, yes—my first video game was on an Atari console with a joystick.
And that old memory has prompted a fresh question:
Does the way I spend my time reflect what I say matters most?
What was your first video game, and what memories does it bring back?
Cornelius Bella | The Message Bearer
