Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit

Solomon was granted one request from God. He could have chosen greatness but he chose wisdom. He knows that he needs wisdom to rule the kingdom of Israel. He asked wisdom because he wants to be able to serve his people.

Many people wish for things for their own pleasure. James reminds us that we do not have because we do not ask God. But when we ask, we do not receive because we ask for own pleasure. Solomon asked not for his own benefits but for the benefit of his people.

Do you want wisdom or wealth? Chose you this day what you ask for.

Each one of us has desires. That’s a beautiful gift that God has given to us. Along with it, we are also given a freewill, the factor that governs our desires.

Yet, many people are afraid of the word desires. It has bad and negative connotation… desires means bad and immoral desires. No doubt that most of us are not holy or perfect morally, but a man who can control his desires is more powerful than the whole battalion of soldiers.
I battle for control over my desires every day. It is a constant battle. Either I control my desires or it controls me.

Buddhism teaches us to try to get rid of our desires. I think that is a losing man’s principle. It is the same as saying that if you cannot control something, you must get rid of it. What if I can’t control my wife, can I get rid of it? What about my children, my parents, my siblings etc. Would it be better if we learn how to control our desires.

I received a forward email about how Vicks Vaporub is able to stop coughing especially for children. When the weather is cold at night, they will start coughing. So I tried applying the vaporub on their feet and wear them socks before sleep. It works. No coughing during the night. After a few days, cough completely gone.