Wish for What the World Needs

Wise wishing. 

The universe conspires to help you. 

What the world needs. 

My dad told the story of three men on a deserted island who came across a genie’s lamp. They rubbed the lamp, and a Genie appeared. Each man received an offer of one wish from the Genie. The first man wished to return home to be with his family; at that moment, he disappeared. The second man wished the same; he, too, disappeared. The third man said, “I’m actually pretty happy here. I just wish I had my friends back.” 

All these men were onto something here. We desire many things, but we yearn for meaningful ones. For me, those things are faith, family, and community. Living better and serving others. These are the things that feed and nourish my spirit and soul. I may wish for things that bring temporary happiness or satisfaction, but what matters most is connection and love for others, God, and this world that God so loved. 

In the introduction to Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, we are told “the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.” An often-quoted line from this book is, “when you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you.” To me, this means that we each have a heart’s cry. It’s not selfish, but a profound longing to pursue a soul-nourishing treasure, a gift to our world. Each of us has a longing granted by the Giver of life. When we want that something, I agree with Paulo. The universe and the Giver of life recognize our efforts, then conspire to help and reward us.  

Howard Thurman wrote, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” I fell in love with Howard Thurman after reading his book, Jesus and the Disinherited. It was there I learned Howard was the spiritual advisor for Martin Luther King Jr. He was an author, theologian, philosopher, and social justice advocate. A deeply spiritual man who loved God and loved his neighbors. His advice to us? Ask what makes you come alive, what makes your heart sing. Then, do that. Do as your heart and soul wish. This is what the world needs. People who live and love deeply. Today, I encourage you, and I encourage me, to be that person.