Mario Kart: the Single Banana Peel

After the "Avatar" series, I was a bit stumped as to where to go from there.  But the nerd in me found another gospel tie within a game that has forever changed my life.  Mario Kart!  No matter which version, which system, or the size of the screen, I love love love Nintendo's Mario Kart!  As I discussed this blog idea with a fellow missionary, we both came to the agreement that the best version of Mario Kart is Mario Kart 64.  The first introduction to four player Mario racing and an increase of items to use against your foe, making it epic!

This series is dedicated to the items.  What are they used for?  What is the spiritual connection for each of them?  So, to kick this off, we will talk about the single banana peel.

The single banana peel is a tricky little item.  It is dropped on the track for the intention of making the opponent's slip and spin out of control.  The banana peel can be dropped behind you, thrown ahead, or held for protection.  Now, each of these techniques can be perfected and mastered.  Rather than simply dropping the banana peel or throwing it off into obscurity, you can place it where it will do the most damage; next to item boxes, narrow roadways, boosts, jumps, and other likely spots drivers might venture.

My favorite use for the banana peel is protection.  You hold down the trigger button and keep the banana peel behind the kart to protect against shells.  There is no greater feeling than devastating the attempt of an opponent's shell hitting you (usually there is an evil laugh thrown in as you thwart their evil plan mwahaha!).  This little trick also allows you to pick up another item.  Pretty handy.


Satan is on our "race course."  He is doing all he can to make us spin out of control and into an endless pit of despair (picture rainbow road, yikes!).  My "banana peel" is attending church.  Going to church gives me that protection I need each week.  It also causes Satan to spin out of control.  Each time I walk into Sacrament meeting I just know he is spinning off in a confused and angry mess.  That is the last place he wants to see me go each week because he knows exactly how important it is.



Partaking of the Sacrament is a renewal of the covenant (or promise) we make at baptism.  We promise that we are "1willing to take upon [us] the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]." As we keep our part of the covenant, Heavenly Father promises "2that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]..."  Try to tell me this isn't the best thing ever, just try.  Having His Spirit always with us, not much can beat that. 

 

I could rant and rave all day at how amazing going to church is and especially the Sacrament, but I'll save that for another day.  For now, take my word for it.  Go to church and get that protection and make Satan go ballistic!  Best item, or banana peel, you could ever get!