Pursuit

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered, “[...] LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. [...] So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. [...]” Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.

This story forces me into Solomon's shoes, leaving me to try and discern how I would answer God's offer. But I don't have to wonder: I was asked the same question on the day I was born, and I have seventy years to give my answer.