I get what I need…
Today is the feast of the Epiphany. It celebrates the time when 3 or more travelers from the east (Persia? India? China? Who knows?) –often called the 3 kings, followed a star until they found Joseph, Mary, and the new baby Jesus.
Many believe they were Zorro Astrian; people who interpreted dreams, astrology, the stars. They were the ‘originals’ believing we follow a star (or ‘astar’) in our life. And when you go off the right path, when you move away from your destiny, you are in fact in "‘dis’ astar" –away from your star. It is where we get the word ‘disaster’.
Many times in my life I’ve pondered on the why of Jesus being born 2000 years ago. Why
that time in the history of mankind? Were the people of the earth not ready a 1000 years sooner? Why not the middle-ages? Why not now? (Of course, no “Christianity” until he arrives…so the sooner the better I think…) But really, God works things out according to His design, not ours. Would we really ever be ready? Because of this, it is easy to think He is not in our lives. We don’t always get what we want… At least we sometimes wonder and wait, impatiently.
And so, the Rolling Stones…
And so I’m sitting with coffee, pondering the Roman Empire, and the interesting way they ruled –both with official tolerance towards the strange (strange to them) way the Jews worshiped only one god, and their firmness of rule –where you’ve got to do certain things the Roman way or we will brutally make an example of you –“we got an empire to run”. It was then the Stones drifted into my earshot.
“You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.”
That is when everything came together. I have always asked for help, for guidance. I have always been thankful to Him of the good things that come my way. I have also when in longing, or in need, asked for help. I eventually see that help is delivered…often delivered years late. But, delivered
at the right time. Delivered after a journey through life so I would understand the gift better. He knew when to give it. I know the gifts that have been given me and to use them in honor. I think my path is a destiny guided from above…a very complex destiny that weaves here and there for a reason. The journey reveals the insights I need to know to fully understand how I should live my life (and yes, I screw up. I also marvel at the depth of God’s forgiveness). I’m amazed at the complexity of asking and
wanting something 30 years ago, and getting what I
need at a time I can best use it. It is often not simply for my benefit, but provided in a way that is fruitful for others in my life.
Make me a better person…
Recently, someone needed a photographer for a wedding. Money was a huge factor. But it was not a normal wedding day. So I’m available, and I’ll charge a smaller price. Why not? They only wanted one hour of time. (Interesting, that’s their want…but not their need.) Twenty years ago, tiny wedding…tiny charge…I would have shown up and provided more than what they paid for…and thought better of myself in a selfish way. Today, God has crafted me into a better person (Hey - I’m still in need of more help!). I had coffee that morning…breakfast…and then I asked Sylvia if she want to go for a car ride. Even though my wedding that evening was simple –an hour of time –I wanted to scout the location around the chapel for better pictures. I spent an hour and 30 minutes looking around.
That evening, I showed early…telling my client I’d be there early, just in case she could come early too. I’m waiting…watching the sun preparing to end its day…selfishly wishing she understood better just how much we need the light. And then she arrives…with four children…dressed beautifully (as was she) ready for her wedding hour. I can’t believe the prep she must have gone through! Money may be dear, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a sacred day in her life. My morning drive with Sylvia was nothing compared to the mayhem of dressing the kids and getting to our meeting place on time! She’s my hero!
I poured my soul into 90 minutes of fun, family and love. She deserves my best. I’ll spend hours and hours making those pictures look like a glamorous magazine story. I love my job. I think I’ve been guided to it. Something a self-absorbed guy like me can give to others –while God patiently works to make me into a better person. I’ve got so far to go! But, sometimes you get just what you need.
It’s good to follow your star.
