I find this quote very appropriate for this posting. A check with the dictionary shows the meaning of luck :
the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities
When something happened to us and we couldn't quite put a cause to it or it seems uncommon to the common people, we attribute that as good luck (eg. striking lottery) or bad luck (the only one who failed the test). For a very long time, I had been lucky but I would called it blessed to be picking up coins of different denominations every now and then. It could be 10cents to 50 cents or even a dollar at times. I do not really think much about this except knowing with certainty that I would continue picking up coins.
The level of certainty or confidence increases as each time I picked the coin and recently I picked twice, one 10cents and another 5cents coin. To those who think little of the value of this money, then you would have missed a great lesson. The increment in value of these coins depend very much not on where you are picking, when and how to do it. The secret really lies in the imagination realm as I had repeatedly been saying.
So, for fun's sake, I decided to put in writing a goal - to strike a $1,000,000 in lottery. That would seems like a vast difference from the usual 10cents and 50 cents I picked thus far. "Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe. John 14.29
This is one of my favourite bible verse and I am with full faith putting it here for all to see. Some said that when you prayed to God, keep your prayers between both of you so nobody knows. But if you do not tell people, and if it takes place, would they not accused you of lying? In order to prove that God's words will never return to him void and that he will accomplish all that we asked of him, I am openly declaring this so that readers can act as witnesses to this event.
I remembered the first few times I picked the coin, I was ecstatic and found it unbelievable. I mean many a times I noticed the coins were right in front of these people walking ahead of me, why don' they pick it up? What were they thinking? Could they possibly not have seen it and I am the lucky guy? That was many many years back and I had no knowledge of the Bible.
As time goes by, I just find picking up coins become part and parcel of my life. It is like a telepathic experience where the coin seems to seek me out with that glimpse of shine on the floor and people can walk past them without even noticing. Initially, I found it amusing but slowly over time I came to accept it and it has since then become normal for me.
That is the same concept as winning a lottery. We probably have not heard of people who win the lottery weeks after weeks but is that a possibility? Of course it is but people would rather attribute that to a stroke of luck than anything else. Right this moment, as I am typing, I am conjuring up an image of me having won the lottery. That is what is the feeling that I would have if I am the winner? And how does one know? As simple as matching the winning numbers with the ticket you purchased.
I guessed some might think perhaps the way to winning it big is to increase the odds of winning by buying more tickets to increase one chances of hitting the big one. I don't think so. I believe thinking from the winning scene is more important than the pre-win scenario. So, briefly, this is what I would be using my $1,000,000 for :
- A trip to Japan for the family. I just picked up the Hokkaido travel brochure last weekend and my daughter was asking if we could go play some snow. She was simply excited at the thought of that , must be watching too much of Frozen and Olaf, haha.
- A big part would go into my investment - property, forex, stocks,etc. I believe this is the best time to be in the market!
- Charity work/Pro-bono coaching/speaking - Something close to my heart and I want to take more time and planning on this area. Teaching people the skills about changing to a positive mindset, increasing confidence, having a desirable relationship, etc is what truly keeps me going. I love to do more of this on a higher level and not to let money gets in the way for people who can't afford the coaching fees or workshops.
- A nice watch for myself - One that I can pass on down for generation. I like that.
- A family car - i like the idea of taking my kids around the island, maybe to nearby countries like Malaysia, Thailand, etc with a group of friends, stopping by for some local delicacies and buying some souveniers, experiencing the local culture. really nice !
This is such a wonderful feeling , isn't it ? I am the lucky guy who won the $1,000,000 lottery. Would that change my life upside down? Hmm, I guess the initial moments would be like the first time I found the coin, full of surprise and excitement. And then another coin, a bigger value awaits, the mystery gets smaller, the heart becomes more accepting of it , welcome it in fact and soon it would be another normal day.
The one picture that kept surfacing in my mind is the scene at the airport, just outside the departure hall. I asked my family to take a picture and i said," look here, say cheese" . Nice. This picture I have been rehearsing every now and then and I did it as part of my daily prayer ritual. After sending my two kids to school, I would take a nice walk around the neighbourhood where it is quiet and peaceful. There are not too many people around except for a few maids taking the dogs out for their morning walk.
Here's the secret : Joshua 1:8 This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful. The quieter you become, the clearer yo can hear - Ram Dass. Isn't this beautiful and true? We get so caught up with the noises out there , the constant text messages, TV shows, internet, etc that takes away our precious time to be still .The mind behaves like a wild animal, craving for instant gratification. This Law does not operate on our timing but HIS timing. When will God deliver the money to me? I don't know as I had learnt to accept that there is a season for all things. Spring, summer, autumn and winter. They may be late but the seasons will come eventually. In between , we need to be patient and review our thoughts daily, sharpening our focus on our desires, rejoicing in the wish fulfilled and the grace and favour that he has unconditionally pour onto us.
Pin down a few words that truly resonates with you when this money -cheque is in your hand. Beside excitement , what else does it make you feel ? A sense of responsibility that you can do something great for your family? A great sense of hope that things have turn around? A renewed optimism about life in general and your mind is packed with activities that you see in others' life but not yours? Think of all the loving moments you can do for others, that act of generosity that you extend out unconditionally, isn't that amazing?
The money, $1,000,000 is merely a means to fulfil that level of emotional states you want, that's all. But to get the money, you must first enter into that state - of being happy, grateful, thankful, peace at heart, overwhelmed, hope, etc. These emotions means different things to different people, so frame it according to your definition. Make it natural.
Winning the lottery must become as natural as taking a walk or like the air we breathe in. We don' struggle or gasp for air each waking moment. We did it so naturally, as a matter of fact we do not even noticed it, right ? It is the same concept but first we need to breakthrough one winning , and the next and the next.................
Oh, just in case you had a thought that this might be too large a sum or the task might be too difficult to accomplish, remember this verse : Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32.27
Do not for a moment doubt the magnitude of this task, sticking to the conventional of incremental, step by step goals. Maybe, I should start with 1000, then 10,000 before reaching 1,000,000. Whenever, we are in doubt, we must stem out that evil thought at all costs, day, noon and night. Exponential returns can be yours or mine for that matter if we truly believe, walk in faith and not by sight. By sight, it would means looking at your bank account, wondering where is the car, the overseas trip and the myriad of things that have yet to happen. Then you become disheartened, doubt increased and confidence waned, thinking to yourself , maybe luck is shining on others but not me. That cannot be further from the truth. Persists in that thought as often as possible. Focus on one single sensation, say gratefulness and keep thanking God for the favour he showered upon you.
The more you experience the power and wisdom of God, the more you want it and the more you would share it. It's a gift from God and everyone is included. There are more than enough millions to go round so no need to rush and fear that it would run out. The storehouse of the Lord is filled with abundance, like honey overflowing. Thank you Lord for your blessing!!!
I would be penning my thoughts on my winning journey as we go along. Peace, love yourself and everyone !