CHANCE OR CHOICE

This week, I celebrated my birthday. Suffice it to say I’m way past 39 and still more than a stone’s throw from an octogenarian. Still, it’s a pretty safe bet that I’ve lived more years than I have ahead of me. I’m at that point in my life where I reflect on past accomplishments and still strive to achieve unrealized dreams.

My husband and I spent a couple of days away in one of our favorite places, Cripple Creek. It is one of the gaming towns in Colorado. I know there are those who frown on gambling and I respect their view, but I have to admit that once a year or so, I become an avid gambler.

It is exciting to watch the slot machines spin, waiting to see how the combinations will line up on the pay line. I consider it a form of entertainment, so win or lose, I have a good time.

I like to observe others around me and see how they handle wins or losses. Some people pound on the spin button as though their whole future depended on the outcome. Others play two or three machines at a time. There are those who play the same machine for hours, only to walk away and have someone else take their place and hit a big payoff with just a few coins.

Gambling is all a matter of chance.

Life can be a gamble, but we have far more control over the payoff than we do when we play a slot machine. The paths we follow are determined by choices.
As I look back on the past years of my life, I feel blessed to have made some right choices. It took me a long time to do it, but I finally quit smoking. (Ten years smoke-free this November!) I chose a loving husband who gave me two wonderful children, one of which presented us with an adorable granddaughter. I chose a noble profession. I chose a solid church with an enthusiastic pastor who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. A long time ago I chose to accept Jesus as my savior.

No, I didn’t win in Cripple Creek on my birthday, but I’m rich in so many ways that it really doesn’t matter.

I love to play games of chance – but I’m grateful for the opportunity to make choices.

Thanks for reading my blog.