Friday, May 17, 2013

Powerball

I bought two tickets for the Powerball drawing this morning.  I don't believe in gambling at a Casino or a lottery but it's here in our world.  I can't win if I don't play and I really shouldn't play because I've already won my fair share.  Gambling is just one of life's games but it can become very addictive.  That's one addiction I don't own.

I told the cashier I know it's a snowball's chance but you can't win if  you don't play.  She and the others around the cash register agreed.

Once in a great while I like to dream what would I do if money was no object?  What if I won $500 million tonight?  I could build a farm operation built on solid principles that would be the envy of my competitors.  Is that really God's plan for me?  Would it ruin my life?

First I would take care of my church and my charities.  They would get most of it because my needs are not that great compared to their need and the needs of the world.

I would buy a new tractor with air conditioning and a new no-till drill to attach to it.  Then I would go look at planters and combines.  A new Apache sprayer would be great.  I haven't done any of this since I bought my only first new tractor in 1976.  I think it's high time I took care of myself.

I would take care of my grandchildren to make sure they all had the opportunity for a good education and a good start in life.  I would not want to hinder them, cripple them or make them lazy.  They are being raised right so this should be there when they make up their mind, not drive their decision.

Oh, it's fun to dream a little but I admit it's not always healthy.  You can't make those unforeseen things your goal.  I just like to play "what if" once in a great while.

I won $750 in a raffle a couple of years ago and gave it all back to the charity so that's more my kind of thinking.  If I had gobs of money I would give it all away but I would keep a little bit for Ed so he can help his family and the things he believes in.

I've been very blessed in life, how about you?

Ed

4 comments:

  1. My wife and I donated $6 on the last drawing. We meant to only do $4, but the cashier misunderstood.

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  2. Farmers are gamblers in a way. Sure there is crop insurance but its not 100%. We can't control the rain but can do our best to use good practices and fertility.

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  3. $500 millions? Oh good, remember you have friends for the extra $100 millions you don't have a use for. ;)
    $600 millions is actually the total jackpot, but it's "only" $264 million if there's only one jackpot winner, after 30% state and federal taxes.

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  4. I haven't even stopped to check my tickets yet, LOL. I figure they will be hunting down the winner if there was one.

    Ed

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