I WISH YOU ENOUGH

I WISH YOU ENOUGH

In December of 2013, my friend and colleague, Elder Willie Templeton, shared the following inspirational story.

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together after the daughter’s airline departure had been announced.  Standing near the security gate, they hugged rather emotionally and the mother said, “I love you and I wish you enough.”

The daughter replied, “Mom, our life together has been more than enough.  Your love is all I have ever needed.  I wish you enough, too, Mom.”  They kissed each other affectionately as the daughter moved slowly toward the jetway.  The mother walked over near the window where I was sitting.  Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry.

I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?”  “Yes, I have,” I replied.  “Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?”

“I am old and she lives so far away.  I have health challenges ahead and the reality is that her next trip back will be for my funeral,” she said.

“When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, ‘I wish you enough.’  May I ask what that means?”

She began to smile. “That’s a wish that has been handed down for generations in our family.  My parents used to say it to everyone.”  She paused for a moment and looked up as if trying to recall that memory in greater detail, and her smile grew ever brighter.

“Whenever we say ‘I wish you enough,’ we want the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.”  Then turning towards me, she shared the following heartfelt prayer, reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sunshine more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through your final good-bye.

The mother began to cry again, and she slowly walked away.

For all your lifetime, my dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I wish you enough…and more.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!