The Gambler

     The parents and I went to an Italian restaurant for dinner (I had linguine carbonara with pancetta....mmmm Italian bacon...) and to the Hard Rock to do some gambling. I was on a roll for awhile (I had doubled my $4!, but then lost it all). And after awhile, I just wanted to go home. I didn't like the feeling I got from losing. I didn't like the desire I had to keep putting money in the machine so I could win my money back. And as I looked around, I saw that same desire play out on others’ faces. But for some, it seemed like such a compulsion. And that made me sad. Because, sure, there are people who go occasionally and lose big bucks like me :-). But there are those who are addicted and can’t find their way out. It made me analyze myself because I know that I have an addictive personality and I realize that playing the slots more than once every few months is not the best for me because I could easily crossover over into being one of those people who go everyday, all day, and lose much more than just money. It also made me think about Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and wonder at which point it went from permissible to mastering for them.....

    It's much easier to get away with things when your last day at home is coming up. Normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pick through the ice cream (dairy dessert...) to get the chocolate pieces, but hey....I'm doing it now. BTW, using a fork is MUCH more effective than a spoon.