When
I was about thirteen years old, I read this story, and I wondered what I would
ask for had I been in Solomon’s place.
Essentially, it’s like God granting you one wish. Of all the things you could ask for, you have
to narrow it down to just one. I
agonized over this, struggling with many different ideas, because it had to be
perfect. It had to be a wise choice that
could be used to help other people. It couldn’t
be frivolous and petty. It would be
permanent, so it had to be something to transcend my current trials or
situation.
But
what did I know at my age? How could I
possibly know what I would go through or endure? What tool or ability, what gift of the Spirit,
would be most useful to my journey and future life? What did I want most from God? So, I prayed.
I asked God for the ability to understand people; what they were going
through, who they truly were, what they were saying without saying. I wanted to be able to read someone’s
heart.
And
I believe that God granted my prayer that day.
I noticed a change in my interactions with people. My listening grew better, and as I listened,
I started to pick up on subtle hints and clues.
Little things that most people miss.
I became more observant and mindful.
As I grew older, the ability grew stronger and came easier. I honed the gift through practice. I found people seeking me out, like they knew
that I would be able to understand them.
It was so strange and yet so natural at the same time.
Somewhere
along the path of life, I stopped listening.
I let my mind and emotions make decisions over my heart. The gift doesn’t come so easily to me anymore. It’s still there, but I think I get in my own
way. I want desperately to have it again;
to feel like I used to and connect with people like I used to. I felt more caring and in touch back then.
I
wonder...if you had Solomon’s wish, what would you choose?
