Last weekend, we got together at my son’s apartment and decided to play cards to keep ourselves engaged. It was after a long break we were playing the classic card game of Rummy.

In Rummy, each player is dealt 13 random cards, and as the game progresses, players can either accept a discarded card from the previous player or pick a new one from the deck. The goal is to form four valid sets or runs. A round ends when any player completes their sets.

For many of us, Rummy was a new experience, so one of our group taught us the rules. We clarified our doubts as we played. Initially, only those familiar with the game were winning, but as the rounds progressed, the rest of us gained confidence and started winning too. We kept score and noticed that the winners varied from round to round, showing that prior knowledge didn’t guarantee consistent victory. We played for about an hour, and by the end, everyone enjoyed the game, including the kids who didn’t play but cheered us on.

Life is akin to a game of Rummy, where we skillfully utilize the resources we’re dealt. Just as each player receives a unique set of cards, we’re born with distinct physical, mental, psychological, and artistic talents, as well as family inheritances, none of which we choose for ourselves. While an atheist attributes this to mere chance, a believer sees it as ‘providence’, guided by a higher power. In either case, our challenge lies in playing our hand with diligence and strategic intent.

Daily events can present opportunities or obstacles. The actions of those around us can also influence our outcomes. Much like in Rummy, success in life depends on how well we utilize the resources and opportunities at hand. The path to success is shaped by various factors: the initial talents we’re born with, the opportunities we encounter, the setbacks we face, and our ability to navigate these challenges.

So, what is success in life? Is it in attaining worldly objectives like money, possessions, power, or influence? True success lies in how we navigate our journey and whether we find joy and fulfillment along the way.