The Power to Love

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

Years ago, there was a young woman who had a baby boy. Just after her son’s baptism, a ragged old man came to her and offered to grant her one wish on behalf of her son. Thinking only the best for her baby, the woman wished that her son would always be loved by everyone he met. “So be it,” replied the ragged old man, as he vanished.

It turned out just as wished. As the boy grew, everyone loved him so much that he never lacked anything. Yet, things did not turn out as expected. As adored and admired as the young man was, he experienced a terrible emptiness within him. He could have anything he wanted, just by asking, but he had no real friends. He never knew the joy of a day’s work or achievement, richly rewarded. His neighbors took care of all his needs. The young man became cynical, jaded, and selfish as none of his actions ever brought him any negative consequences.

Finally, the day came when his aged mother died. At the funeral, the same mysterious old man appeared and offered the young man one wish. The young man took him up on his offer and asked that his mother’s original wish for him be changed. Rather than being loved by everyone he met, the young man asked the old wizard to give him the power to love everyone he met. And, the story goes, from that day forward, he knew happiness such as no one on this earth has ever known.

There is a lot of truth to that parable. Jesus once said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Those who are able to serve and love others have deep and abiding joy.

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 going.
Amen.