We’re All Mega Winners

This morning’s big news story centers around the droves of people plunking down hard-earned cash for the chance of winning the Mega Lottery prize in excess of $550 million dollars.  The dream of striking it rich and having all life’s problems disappear is a major motivator for giving up what you already have in hopes of making the dream a reality.

Years ago, when the Virginia Lottery first started, Dave and I bought a ticket every week, playing our birthdays and  the anniversaries of our first date and wedding.  They were lucky days for us, so it only seemed natural that all six dates combined would provide us with exponential luck.  It was several weeks before  a winner was announced and when it was, it turned out to be someone I knew.  After that point I figured the chances of my winning the lottery after an acquaintance of mine had were astronomical so we quit buying the tickets.

I have to admit that in the current frenzy and rush for the convenience store I have been tempted to get in line myself but I have way too many items on my “to do” list that have to be ticked off today that I’m not about to drop it all to buy a chance on what Thomas Jefferson referred as “a wonderful thing; {laying} taxation only on the willing.”   Today I am not willing.

Aside from having a great deal to accomplish today, I can’t really see the value in adding $550 million dollars (give or take) to my life will net any improvements.  I saw what happened to my friend when her family won a mere $7.6 million and it wasn’t pretty.  Suddenly they were inundated with requests from long-lost relatives and strangers all wanting to share in the pot.  The hounding became so bad that one day they packed a few bags, locked their door behind them, left and never came back.

Today, as I think about it, I realize that our numbers were winners.  Dave’s, Maggie’s and Andy’s and my birthdays along with the anniversaries of our first date and wedding were all winning days and combined have brought not luck but exponential joy to us that mere money could never replace.

So, during this season of family, friends and reflection, let’s all look back at what we already have and hold dear and consider that in some way, either large or small, we’ve all been mega winners.  And, while the size of the prizes may vary, in most cases it has been the perfect size for you.