Odd Happenings

August 25, 2023

In all our years, Lark and I had never been inside a gambling casino. One day while driving back from the beach, we decided to see what $20.00 would do in the Wind Creek Casino, right off the highway. On the sidewalk to the building, we ran into a middle-aged couple who were leaving the casino. "Hey, does this sidewalk take us to the front doors?" we asked. They replied, "Yes, just follow it around to the front of the building."

Then they said, "We are never coming back here again. Today was a real loser. We come every week and have done well, but have lost every time lately. This casino has seen the last of us!"

"Well," we said, "We have never been to a casino, and we want to give this twenty dollars a whirl today. Do you have any pointers for some first-time gamblers?" Their reply was: "COME ON, FOLLOW US; WE'LL SHOW YOU!" These dear souls quickly turned around and led us into the casino they'd vowed never to re-enter (we promptly lost our twenty dollars).

This was an odd happening, but it amusingly illustrates the strength of our addictions. Just like all addictions, our ego fixations are powerful. They become so second nature that they are usually our first-line approach to life. But by being aware of our fixation, we will likely shed the addiction and act consciously instead of unconsciously.

Inquiry: What is your fixation?

Dear God,

I pray for the power to see my fixation and not to fall into its grip. Amen.

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