#127 - A Fiery Tale: Be Careful What You Wish For

Hey there, friend. This week's story starts at a resort fire show in Mexico and ends with a question for the Lord. A lesson about selfish crowds, sudden rain, and asking a better question — because sometimes God answers like a genie, and you'd better be specific.

A Fiery Tale: Be Careful What You Wish For

Life often serves up its most memorable lessons when we least expect them. This week, we're delving into a vacation memory that began with high hopes, only to take an unforeseen turn, leaving us with much to ponder.

It all began at the lobby bar of Ocean Riviera Paradise resort, where we were enjoying some drinks, eagerly awaiting a highly anticipated fire show. The atmosphere was buzzing, and as we headed out to find our spot, it was clear many others had the same idea – people had parked out early with their chairs, securing prime viewing locations.

As the show was about to begin, a familiar "human" phenomenon unfolded. Folks who couldn't get seats started standing directly in front of those who had them there sometime, completely blocking their view. It was a classic case of selfishness, with people only caring about their own vantage point. One frustrated couple, fed up with the obstructed view, abandoned their chairs. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly moved in to claim them. Then, spotting a clear opening, we maneuvered to the left flank of the stage to secure a new vantage point.

We managed a decent view of the performance for about five minutes before the "humans" began closing in again, standing directly in our way. You could see the selfish spectacle unfold time and time again, interrupting countless others. Their pursuit of that "perfect" spot, or more accurately, that perfect video destined to sit unwatched on their phones, was relentless.

Exasperated, Kat voiced her frustration: "I wish these people would be more considerate." This is something we, as tall individuals, are acutely aware of – constantly checking behind us to ensure we're not obstructing anyone's view. Whether it's our height or perhaps my ADHD prompting me to think two steps ahead, this consideration has become second nature.

Then, as if on cue, the heavens opened up! It started raining, and those "infidels" ran for the hills. It really made you wonder: did they truly want to see the show, or just a video of it? We wanted to see the show, and as they ran and dispersed, we finally got a clear view of the final moments of the fire act. Unfortunately, fire and rain don't exactly mix, so the show was cut short.

The moral of the story? Sometimes, you just need to ask a better question, I thought to myself. Next time, maybe we'll wish to see the show without the rain and a clear vantage spot! It made me ponder, it’s like God is like a genie at times – you have to be careful what you wish for and be as specific as possible. Everything that you have today, is something that you wanted, but where you specific enough in your ask?

** Asking the Lord a Question
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This experience got me thinking, and it leads to a question I'd ask the Lord:

Lord, given that our desires often manifest in unexpected ways, how can we learn to articulate our wishes with greater clarity and wisdom, so that our experiences, even unforeseen ones, lead us closer to Your intended blessings?

Until the next adventure,
—Katerina, Damian and Alyce