Article September 26, 2016 Issue

Right desires and their fulfillment

Marilyn Wickstrom

Being in the senior play was my dream, and now here I was on the stage, trying out for this popular production. I had memorized the lines of the part I wanted and practiced them for hours. I was one of two finalists. As it turned out, the other girl fit the part perfectly and was chosen. The disappointment was devastating. For me, there would never be another senior play. My dream would never come true. I was eighteen and desperately trying to be a good sport. Tears welled up inside as I fought their presence. Quickly I left to go home.

I’d prayed for the opportunity to be in the play. Now it seemed as if my prayers had gone unanswered. I turned to God with all my heart, trusting that He would provide answers and help me overcome my unhappiness. I knew God loved me. He also loved the girl who was given the part. If it was right for her, there would be something else fulfilling for me to do. I realized that not everything in life was about me or what I wanted. It was about God and what I could do to serve Him—how I could express more of my God-given spiritual individuality and glorify Him.

My desire hadn’t been for personal glory; it was to feel I was part of the senior play activity and to be on stage and act. As I prayed to let go of human will, I was able to open my thought to serve on the makeup committee. This took humility and more God-centered thinking. I let go of what I wanted and focused on what I could do to be helpful to others. It was actually fun putting on makeup, and I enjoyed being backstage with my friends. I fought the temptation to feel deprived of my dream and gratefully contributed all I could. I enjoyed seeing the excitement and success of the actors.

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