Years ago, I remember the Rev. Dr. Terry Cole-Whitaker joking that she kept asking Deity for a particular blessing, and the blessings started coming... but not from the source that she'd expected and intended.
Because these blessings came from another apparent source, she thought that her prayers had not been answered.
When she finally realized that her prayers were answered, although not in the way that she'd expected, she was able to enjoy them and make more of them.
Similarly, in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Awakening Your Spirituality, the author quotes philosopher G. I. Gurdjieff, "You can't escape from jail until you know you are in it."
If you place all of your focus on being in control, even to the point of dictating to Deity how and when your prayers will be answered, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
Imagine that a friend's birthday is approaching, and you ask her what kind of gift or party she'd like. What if she replied, "I'd like a vintage Corvette, red with red leather interior, given to me at a party at your apartment with exactly 25 guests at 3 p.m. next Tuesday."
You'd probably feel a bit amused at first, but also annoyed if she was serious.
When giving someone a gift, it's good to know what kind of gift the person would like... something to wear, or a fun new book, and so on. It's good to know if the person is expecting a party, or if she'd prefer a quiet dinner in a nice restaurant.
The recipient needs to allow the joy of creativity in the process of giving. Likewise, if you perceive Deity as the Creator, shouldn't you allow Deity the same joy in doing what he/she does best?
Elizabeth Browning said, "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame."
Perhaps Deity has a better gift waiting for you, but will deliver a lesser gift if you insist upon it instead.
Spirituality includes setting goals, if only to make the most of the gifts that were give to us by Deity.
Woodrow Wilson said, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."
What is your errand here? By doing all that is in your power to achieve it, you will find yourself handed more gifts and blessings than you could ever ask for.
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