When I was growing up there was a show on TV called “I Dream of Jeannie”. It was about an astronaut who had found a genie in a bottle and their relationship through the years. It was stupid. But it was funny. I always wanted to be Jeannie.
Tony, the astronaut, got unlimited wishes. Some he didn’t even know he wanted. It taught me two things: all things are possible and be careful of what you wish for.
Through the years I have wished and I have dreamed. I have negotiated and I have begged. I have cussed and I have cried. I have pleaded and I have prayed. Some things I have gotten, albeit later than I wanted. And some of my wishes have been ignored. Thank God.
Garth Brooks had a song out back in the 80’s called “Unanswered Prayers”. In the song he thanks God for unanswered prayers. Isn’t that the truth?
It seems, through the years, that the wishes I wanted most had to do with love and/or money. I wished that cute boy would notice me. I wished that my “friendship” would turn into love. I really wished that I would win the lottery.
And looking back I am so glad some of that stuff didn’t happen. If it had I wouldn’t have all that I have now. I wouldn’t have the family I have now. What would I do with more money that I have now? (I’m sure I could think of something). But the important thing to know is that I wouldn’t be the person that I am. And that would be a shame.
Life can be hard. But it’s the hardness of life that makes us who we are. I think that is called character. Character is built by not having things too easy, right? And being given everything without all of the blood, sweat and tears that life requires keeps you soft. And if everything is soft then you don’t appreciate what you work hard for.
I still think I would like to have a genie bottle. I wish it when I end up with more month than money or if I want to go on a trip and want to just be there. But I think I will take my hard-fought life and not trade it for all of the genie bottles in Arabia. I’ll take that with a little knowing smile on my face.