Magic Lamps at the Thrift store - What would you ask of Genie?
June 13th 2010 16:16
The familiar admonition, "Be careful what you wish for" rings so true. There are many stories of lottery winners whose lives are significantly worse for having been so "lucky"! Movies have been made illustrating that your wildest dreams can quickly turn into your worst nightmares. Time jumping and minutely altering the past has been depicted as a sure way to end the world as we know it.
Thinking of all that I had to wonder if on one of my trips to find treasure at my neighborhood thrift store I actually came across "the lamp". What would I do?
I'd buy it, of course! I couldn't let it get into the wrong hands. What if Jafar was lurking in the costume clothing section looking for a "new to you" cape?
Once I'd gotten in safely out of the store and brought it home, would I rub it?
No!
At least not right away.
I'm sure I'd look at it awhile, but then I'd rub it not expecting anything to happen. When the Genie smoked his way out of the lamp and was actually floating in my family room, I'd probably cross myself and promptly faint. Or maybe I'd scream. Or, possibly, just stare dumbfounded, heart beating fast, blinking several times to make sure what I was seeing was real. I could see myself yelling, "Go back! I ... I... I didn't know what I was doing! Sorry, go back IN! Please?!
Let's say, Genie stayed anyway, used to humans freaking out on him, and kindly offered me my three wishes. After he explained, as all good genies do, that I couldn't wish for more wishes or wish for the power make wishes come true, what would I actually do?
If he seemed the approachable type, I'd question him, particularly about his past masters or mistresses...
Where were they now? Are a high percentage of them imprisoned, financially ruined or certifiably insane? What's the divorce rate? Just how many are living alone in a shack and have resorted to befriending a wild rat? How many are still alive and out of those can you give me an estimate of the number that wish they were dead? Do any of these so called "fortunate people" keep in touch? Do you get letters begging to have wishes undone?
Just what is your return policy on wishes, Bub?
Then I'd make eye contact with Genie and ask the most important question, "What advice would you give your mother in this situation?"
If Genie was still there, had resisted turning me into a frog and had answered my questions satisfactorily, just what would I wish for?
Oh... the possibilites. Have I mentioned I'm decision impaired on a good day with the simplest of choices.
It's a wonder we make any important decisions at all. We really don't know the true outcome of anything we do or say. What ripples did tossing our pebble into the ocean of humanity create? As well intentioned as our words or actions might be we truly don't know what thoughts, feelings or reactions they will spark in others or even ourselves.
Okay, people, how about you share your wishes with me and let me think on this some more. If even one person shares their wishes with me I promise on my next post I will come up with three wishes!
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