My Dad used to say if you’re going to bet on a horse, make sure it’s a fast one.
My Dad travelled around the world from a young age. First as an airman in WWII where he spent time in North Africa and Italy. Then in line with his work — and pleasure — for the next 54 years at South African Airways where he travelled globally. Of all the places in the world, my Dad loved America. And of all the cities and places in America he loved, Las Vegas was one of his top three, at least. (New York and San Francisco would be his others)
Coming from South Africa where gambling was illegal, my Dad loved to have a dabble at the tables. In fact, he more than loved it, he was addicted to it. Don’t get me wrong. He had complete control of himself and his finances. My Dad just knew how to have fun. He was a gregarious, friendly, happy, debonaire man that enjoyed being around a table with friends — or strangers — with good food and a few drinks, having fun, laughing and talking nonsense.
Fault that.
My Dad loved a flutter on the ponies as well. And for as long as I can remember, there was a radio or a TV with the horseracing on in the background. There was always a dogeared, scribbled Computaform lying nearby. And a glass of single Bells and water, with ice, but not too much, dripping condensation onto the table. How many times he proudly showed me the circled numbers of the horses he had picked that won, and he never placed the bet.
There’s obviously an attraction to gambling and the excitement it can bring for so many folks to be drawn to it, but I’m not a gambling man. It could also be because I’m not good at it. I grew up watching cowboy movies where gambling is seen as a rite of passage. The glamour and allure of the poker stand-off are easy to understand. I can also see how the attraction could be bad. I have seen how the attraction can ruin homes, lives and livelihoods.
Leap first is a statement that screams: Take a risk.
A year or so ago, a good friend and mentor said something to me in conversation that was like a punch in the solar plexus. “Geez, you make it sound like this is your final roll of the dice!” It sounded so final, so defeatist. But that’s not what it is. That’s not how I saw it or what I meant.
When you act with belief and trust that what you are doing is what God wants you to do, it’s not a roll of the dice. When you are the sure bet. When it’s you that you must count on, why should it be a risk? That’s not a “black or red?” call? It’s not a gamble.
That is walking with confidence into what you know you are capable of doing.
Footstep by footstep I’ve arrived where I am today.
I’ve never been surer of where I should be.
Have an awesome weekend and please be generous! 😄
As always, thanks for reading 🙏
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