What Would You Ask For?

Introduction

Imagine if you could have anything you wanted. What would it be? This hypothetical scenario often brings out our deepest desires, but it also reveals how we prioritize our needs and wants. There’s a profound story that echoes this question, and it offers us a glimpse into the intricacies of human nature and our spiritual aspirations.

The Story of the Tested Man

In a narrative reminiscent of the trials of Job, an individual, blessed with wealth, a beautiful family, and good health, faces monumental challenges. A celestial being proposes a test to God, suggesting that this man’s piety is only due to his blessings. Everything is taken from him—his wealth, family, and health. Stricken with a painful itch, he is left with nothing but his suffering body. Finally, a merciful voice grants him one request. In his agony, he asks for a back scratcher.

This story underscores a critical point: When faced with immediate discomfort, our short-term needs can overshadow our long-term aspirations. This man’s request, driven by immediate physical pain, highlights a universal tendency to prioritize immediate relief over lasting fulfillment.

The Allure of the Immediate

Human nature often gravitates towards immediate gratification. Studies show that given a choice between receiving \(100,000 over five years or \)110,000 right now, most people opt for the immediate payout, despite it being less beneficial in the long run. This tendency is evident in our daily lives, where we spend vast amounts on fleeting pleasures like food, which momentarily gratifies but offers no lasting satisfaction.

This behavior stems from our survival instincts. We seek what ensures our immediate survival: food, water, shelter, and clothing. These needs are crucial, especially when we face danger or vulnerability. However, survival alone doesn’t satisfy our deeper, transcendent yearnings.

The Eternal vs. The Temporary

To be truly fulfilled, we must balance our survival instincts with our spiritual needs. The flame and wick analogy beautifully illustrates this struggle. The flame represents our soul’s desire to ascend, while the wick symbolizes our material existence, grounding us. Both are essential, but true completeness comes from nurturing both aspects.

King Solomon’s Wisdom

When King Solomon was granted the opportunity to ask for anything, he chose wisdom over wealth or power. He understood that wisdom would enable him to navigate life’s challenges and acquire everything else he needed. This choice reflects a profound understanding of prioritizing the eternal over the temporary.

Psalm 27: A Guiding Light

Psalm 27, recited daily during the Jewish holiday season, encapsulates this wisdom. It begins with King David’s declaration of trust in God and continues with a profound request:

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the Lord, and to visit His sanctuary."

Dwelling in the House of the Lord

To dwell in the house of the Lord means to integrate divine presence into every aspect of our lives. It’s about making our minds, hearts, and actions a sanctuary for the divine.

Beholding the Pleasantness

Beholding the pleasantness of the Lord involves perceiving the beauty and sweetness of divine presence. It requires cultivating a pleasant disposition, which transcends mere survival and enriches our interactions with others.

Visiting the Sanctuary

Visiting the sanctuary represents our moments of transcendence, where we connect with something beyond ourselves. These are moments of spiritual elevation that inspire and sustain us.

The Practical Application

As we contemplate what we would ask for if granted anything, let us focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. Let’s seek wisdom, spiritual fulfillment, and a deeper connection with the divine. This approach ensures that our lives are grounded in lasting values, providing us with true security and fulfillment.

A Personal Exercise

Engage your family and friends in this thought-provoking question. Ask them what they would request if they could have anything. Encourage them to think beyond immediate gratifications and consider what brings lasting fulfillment. This exercise can recalibrate our priorities and inspire meaningful conversations about our deeper aspirations.

Embracing the Eternal

By dedicating our lives to eternal values, we become extensions of that eternity. This mindset shifts our focus from temporary gains to lasting impact, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.

Conclusion

As we approach Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, let us strive to connect with our core essence. Let us seek to dwell in the house of the Lord, behold His pleasantness, and visit His sanctuary. Through this, we can transcend the immediate and connect with the eternal, fulfilling our deepest spiritual yearnings.

For more insights and inspiration, visit Meaningful Life Center.

May your prayers and requests be fulfilled, and may you be blessed with a year of eternal meaning and true fulfillment.