Do you ever sit & fantasize about winning the lottery? I mean, yes, I know we have all figuratively won some type of "lottery" already - whether it be in the love of our lives, the blessing of our children, an amazing health story, or whatever it may be. And I certainly don't make light of THOSE winnings ...
However, on a lighter note I do sit and think sometimes, what if I won the lottery? What would I do with it? Sometimes if I'm really bored, I'll even make a LIST. HA! I admitted it, how embarrassing!
I like to think that the first thing I would do is TITHE (at least 10% right off the top, right?) I vacillate between giving it all to my church, or some to the church and some to fund Alzheimer's research. I think about starting a foundation that would do some good in the community, maybe turning an empty Walmart or Bi-Lo into a FUN, Christian environment for teens and tweens to hang out, eat out, listen to music, play video games, and be supervised by youth leaders.
After the tithing, of course I would pay off any debts, including our home. I would set up a college fund and a trust for Logan so he would never have to worry about money. I would consult a trustworthy financial planner to see how much I needed to set aside for the future and for retirement so I wouldn't end up on one of those TV shows about "Lottery Winner to Homeless in 24 Hours."
After tithing and setting money aside for the future, then I would start SPENDING! lol I would buy my mom and my in-laws each a nice condo where they could live in comfort and not have to worry about the upkeep of a home anymore. My dear mother-in-law and father-in-law are 70 and 80 years old, respectively, and they still get out and mow their own grass and several yards around them, too! I would make sure they never had to worry about anything so they could enjoy their golden years!
I would put my nieces through college and set up trusts for them so they could have a great start into adulthood.
I would buy a condo in Clearwater Beach so I could visit my favorite spot whenever I wanted! I would travel to the places I want to see before I die, but probably never will, such as Spain, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy (and Hawaii).
I would fund some type of strong ANTI-BULLYING legislation and be a champion of that cause. Fortunately, Logan promises me often that he has not been the victim of bullying, but I see it too much in the news and I really have such a tender spot for all those kids whose clothes aren't the latest style or their parents don't make enough money, or they are overweight or from a different culture. I could preach on this topic for hours, but let me move on...
Of course, I would quit this job that kills my spirit daily, but I would want some type of work or activity to keep my mind sharp.
I would fund our church's food pantry program so that we could feed thousands instead of hundreds of people each month.
I would get one more plastic surgery procedure done. (giggle)
I would probably buy a house with a bigger closet and a 3-car garage since Logan will be driving soon.
I have friends with financial needs - hospital bills, vehicles that have broken down for the last time, and I would try to help as many as I could.
I would definitely go on some mission trips. We have talked about doing this many times, but I cannot get extended time off from work and my boss does not understand the desire to do missions.
And contrary to all the good I want to do ... I might, maybe, also buy a Range Rover.
What would YOU do?
