'No Pain - No Gain' A Gambler's Tale

'No Pain - No Gain'   A Gambler’s Tale

‘Drive In’ diner I’d been told of

I must check it out - go see what’s the score.

I freely admit pinball games are fun

For a young lad like me, the ultimate lure.

I shoot the high score on the pinball table I play

The prize mine for certain at the end of the day.

A group of guys together, there’s talk of horseracing

It’s something to do with the ITV Seven.

H’m this now holds more interest to me than flipping a steel ball bearing

Each has their opinion of what’s going to win

Everyone has a bet on – me? I’m too young

Little did I know - this ‘Sport of Kings’ would be my ruin.

Come on! the ITV Seven’s an improbable dream

But there’s doubles and trebles and the renowned ‘Yankee Bet’

This intro to betting horses, I’ll not forget - but live to regret;

Many years later, I still love the gee gees and still need to bet

The long-term result before me, I’m forever in debt.

That euphoric buzz backing winners –

Would leave behind in my head

Those inescapable downers backing loser after loser -

And the inevitable dread.

I’ll tell you a story, see what you think

I’m the idiot, with my head down the sink -

I lost all my money, this time I feel scared

Something or someone, strange how I feel, so let’s end it all

A bottle of vodka, I’m ready to fall

Drunk as a skunk, I feel really sick

Forgot to take the tablets - that would’ve done the trick.

Trapped. I’m convinced to come back for more heartache

Yeh, more of the same -

Oh why? Oh why?

Do I believe I’m a winner at this racing game?

Woah! I have an unexpected experience one Saturday morn.

I wake up, I must find out about Jesus, I think I’m reborn!

What do you do when you’re hit right out of the blue?

Realise how much God loves you – you’re no longer alone

This amazing love, let me try to explain – adventure! – relationship! –

   transformation in Jesus - my journey into the unknown.

Enough said from me now - there’s a way to be free.

A divine encounter isn’t a pre-requisite

Forgiveness a free gift - good riddance bad stuff

So, let’s hand it all over to the Big New Outfit.

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me;

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

John Newton (1725-1807)