Thursday, February 5, 2015

Look At The Big Picture

This morning on TV I heard that no one won yesterday's huge Powerball lottery jackpot bringing this Saturday's drawing to an estimated $360 million. Wow! What would you do with that kind of money? Of course, that all depends on whether or not you would actually buy a ticket. You know what they say, "You can't win if you don't play." The humorous part of the report was when the news anchor asked the weatherman if he'd buy a ticket. The younger weatherman squirmed and said, "Powerball? Isn't that the game that costs $2 for a ticket rather than $1?" My husband and I looked at each other and laughed, because we've both had that same response before.

I'll admit I have bought a few tickets over the years, but I'm usually the one standing in line to buy a ticket for the $200 million prize who only buys ONE ticket. The guy behind me has his $20 bill ready in his hand, laughing at me asking, "Ha! You're only buying one ticket? You'll never win." My response is always the same ... they're only going to pick one set of numbers so I'm either going to win or I'm not. I can always find something else to do with my other $18 or $19.

I've heard people actually say that they won't bother to buy a ticket unless the jackpot is immeasurably big, because a smaller jackpot of say $10 to $20 million isn't worth their time. Hmmm, so basically they must already have that much stashed away and they're doing fine? (lol).

So IF you were to buy a ticket and IF the odds were forever in your favor and IF you actually won ... what would you do with the money? Would you travel? Would you buy a new house (if you do I know a great Realtor I can refer you to)? Would you pay off all your bills? Would you share your new-found wealth with family and friends? Would you invest in the future of your church? Would you donate to a charity or two? Would you start a scholarship fund? The possibilities are endless.

You'll never see me taking a wad of cash to a casino or even buying $20 worth of lottery tickets at one time, but YES I will still buy that occasional $1 ticket that gives me a chance to do some extra good in the world. I've had this recurring dream where I'm actually able to go an auto repair shop, sit in the waiting area and observe, and then discreetly go up and pay the bill in full for the young mother who's bouncing a baby on her lap and looking nervous about whether or not she'll be able to afford the repairs for her broken car.

I'm certainly not one to cast the first stone or judge anyone. I'm not going stereotype about the kind of person anyone is or isn't if they buy a ticket. I'm merely a person who likes to make people and situation observations. Nothing more ... nothing less.

No comments:

Post a Comment