thoughts on the news of the day: high stakes

hmmm…..

            Over the past few months a gambling casino in New Jersey has lost over 11 million dollars to high stakes bets.  Once in April, a blackjack gambler scored 5.8 million dollars.  Then last week, another gambler took home 5.3 million.  The owners of the casino still claim that they are ahead of the game because of all the high stakes betting that doesn’t succeed.

            Taking a risk with a few bucks is one thing, betting the grocery money is another.  In life, we weigh bets everyday.  With every decision comes the risk of making a wrong one.  Sometimes they are non-consequential: should I drink my regular decaf this morning – or be daring and go for caffeine?  Should I wear my brown t-shirt or go with the more radical hot pink?   Then there are times when the risks are great.  Is the lumpectomy sufficient, or is a mastectomy the better way to go?  Loan my kid the money one more time, or let them suffer the consequences of their bad choices?

            Prayer helps. Prayer helps a lot.  When making tough choices, when taking risks, it’s a good idea to invite God into the game.  Now, I am not saying that we should ask for a sign as to whether we should bet on red or black at the roulette table, although I have known of folks who do that.  What I am saying is that finding peace when taking risks is directly proportionate to asking God into the equation.  It may not always turn out the way we had hoped, but we know that God is always in it to win it --  and eventually we come to understand God’s plan for our lives. 

            Then, on the other hand, we can always spin the wheel and see what happens.

            hmmm…..