In The Promise of Listening, Keith Wagner tells a poignant parable:

A young mother, just after her baby boy’s baptism, is approached by a ragged old man who offers to grant one wish for her son. Wanting only the best, she wishes that her son would always be loved by everyone he meets. “So be it,” the old man replies.

And so it happens. The boy grows into a young man adored by all. He never lacks for anything. Doors open. Needs are met before he can voice them. Yet something is wrong. Surrounded by admiration, he is starved for connection. Because everyone gives to him, he never learns to give. Because he is always affirmed, he never grows. He becomes empty — cynical and restless — discovering that being loved by everyone is not the same as truly living.

When his mother dies, the old man reappears and offers the son one wish of his own. This time, the young man asks not to be loved by all, but to love all. And in that turning — from receiving to giving, from being the center to pouring himself out — he finally finds joy.

There is deep gospel truth there. Jesus tells us that those who try to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for his sake will find it. The way of Christ is not grasping but giving. Not securing admiration, but extending love. Not arranging life around ourselves, but offering ourselves for others.

We live in a world that teaches us to ask, “Am I appreciated? Am I admired? Am I getting what I deserve?” The kingdom of God asks a different question: “How can I love?”

And in that shift — quiet, costly, and Christlike — we discover what life was meant to be.

Let us pray: Lord, bless us with

Enough tears to keep us human,

Enough humor to keep us wise,

Enough setbacks to keep us humble,

Enough accomplishments to keep us confident,

Enough patience to teach us endurance,

Enough hope to teach us trust,

Enough friends to give us love,

Enough memories to give us comfort,

And enough faith to keep us giving ourselves away in love;

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.