What Would You Do With a Million Dollars?

On my way to work, Id asked "What would you do with a million dollars? How would you spend it?"
I recall as children in elementary school,perhaps fifth or sixth grade, we were asked that similar question. It was one of those questions designed to reveal our way of thinking. What we would do with a million dollars would say a lot about the philanthropy in our hearts, our concern for the problems of the world, our concept of money and our knowledge of the cost of material things. At the time, most of the answers would reveal that the classroom had an over abundant share of philanthropists and humanitarians who would give more than 50% to charity while helping find cures for the ill, shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, clothing for the poor, a house and/or car for our families, a trip around the world, ah yes, some games and toys for ourselves, and most of us would put money in a savings account. Once we entered high school the question of a million dollars was not asked again perhaps for fear that life values and cost of living had changed so drastically toward material gratification that the class would reveal an abundance of egoism and significant lack of philanthropists and humanitarians.
"How would you spend it?" repeated Id.
"I'm thinking," I said.
"What's there to think about? You know what you want, what you like, what you don't have, or could have, why should you think about it?"
"Because money can do a lot, and I want to make it work for me," I said with conviction.
"Spending it on what you want is making it work for you," said Id.
"That's too temporary," I said. "Remember years ago, when we were much younger, we tried spending an imaginary million dollars. We decided to spend on ourselves first, so we calculated to the dollar the price of our wants and desires. We went straight into redecorating with new furniture, new electronics, gadgets, vacation, wardrobe and still had money left over. So we decided to spend on remodeling the home, giving 5% to schools and 15% to charity, and putting aside enough for a few rainy days, with money left over for emergencies other than 'rainy days.'"
"Yeah, I remember," nodded Id with a smile that stretched from ear to ear as he delighted in the memory. "I was so excited. I clipped pictures of everything I wanted with their price tags attached...from the latest PlayStation and games to cars and bikes, we put it all on paper, our wants and desires. We really indulged in our fantasy."
"We sure did," I said as I took a short moment to bask in the memory of our indulgence. "But, that's all it was, want and desires," I said, coming back to reality. "Wants and desires fade and change. I need something more lasting and meaningful."
"Here we go again," said Id as he sighed and rolled his head in frustration. He knew where I was headed.
"Money needs to reflect who I really am and what is important to me in life," I continued.
"I know," said Id, exasperated. "For you it's people first, then money."
"Precisely. So I'll need to take care of loved ones first. It's as if by taking care of others--those to whom I gave life, those who helped me enter the world and especially those who helped and guided my passage through life--I will have responded to the higher values of my existence. Can you understand that?" I asked in earnest. "It's as if I'm giving thanks on a material level."
"Absolutely. But, you're not in fifth grade anymore. You can think differently, you know." Id nudged me. "Besides, that's a long list of people and organizations, and what if they don't need your help?" Typical Id. Always asking the "what if..?"
"Everybody needs help," I said. "Anyway, people always welcome gifts."
"Yeah, well, don't forget to throw a bone or two my way once in a while," he said with his usual humor.
I laughed. "I'll do even better than that. I'll buy a couple of dogs to go with the bones."
"You mean we'll indulge?" he asked with sarcasm.
"Yep, I have it all calculated and there still will be some left over for a few wants and desires," I chuckled.
"Aren't you missing something?" asked Id.
"What?"
"The million!?" he exclaimed.
"I thought YOU had it," I smiled.
"Would I be here if I did?" asked Id. His face looked...I don't know...unguarded.
"If you had a million, I wouldn't be here either," I whispered softly.

On my way to work...
This I humbly speak...