The talk on all of the news channels and newspaper yesterday and today were of the Mega Millions drawing which was last night. The jackpot was for $640 million. HUGE amounts of money for the lucky person whose number was drawn. I was asked yesterday what I would do if I won the lottery. Well, I don't play the lottery. I did not buy a single ticket for yesterday's lottery. Why? I have no desire to have that much money. When I gave that as an answer, my friend looked at me in surprise and asked why. The reason is simple, money causes too many issues. It causes issues on where to put it all. I truly don't want a bunch of things. I have what I need in life. I don't enjoy shopping. I know of many charities I could contribute to, but then how much and to whom. Then there would be individuals who would think that I should give to them. I don't want to have anyone in my life who is only interested in me for money. My value, even if I were rich, does not lie in money. I want those in my life to be in my life because of who I am, not what money I have.
Yesterday a friend put a quote on Facebook which I agree with:
"Ghandi's 7 Dangers to Human Virtue
1. Wealth Without Work
2. Pleasure Without Conscience
3. Knowledge without Character
4. Business without Ethics
5. Science without Humanity
6. Religion without Sacrifice
7. Politics without Principle"
Notice what number 1 is? Isn't that the lottery?
"Life was never intended to consist of a glut of luxury, be an easy course, or filled only with success. There are those games which we lose, those races in which we finish last, and those promotions which never come. Such experiences provide an opportunity for us to show our determination and to rise above disappointment." President Thomas S Monson
I knopw that I have don't live in luxury, I have not had an easy course and I have had personal failures. I have lost games, lost in races and not received promotions in the past. I know that I have taken every advantage possible of the opportunities before me and I have been blessed. I may not have worldly riches but I feel I am a wealthy woman by all measures which are important to me.
I won't be playing the lottery. I can accept my meager worldly existance. I will continue to work hard and do my best to provide for necessities in life. Jeff and I recently received a card from one of our children. One of the things the child said was that they were glad that we set the example of hard work. Appreciation was given to that child as that card came at a time where we had great financial stresses. To know that the child had no financial gain to be received from Jeff and I, just the simple acceptance of what Jeff and I are working towards and who we are is priceless. The lottery winnings can never provide that.
