(Note: this story involves a fictional character named Mullah Nasruddin. The humorous tales about him are popular in the Mid East and in particular amongst the Afghan people).

One warm day, Nasruddin was relaxing in the shade of a walnut tree. After awhile he pondered the huge pumpkins growing on vines nearby and the small walnuts growing on a towering tree.

"Sometimes I just cannot understand the ways of God" he thought. "Why on earth does he let tiny walnuts grow on such a majestic tree and enormous pumpkins on those delicate vines!"

Just then a walnut fell from the tree and smacked Nasruddin square on top of his bald head. He got up at once and lifted his hands to the heavens in supplication.

"Oh my God! Forgive me for my questioning ways! You are the one who is all-wise. Where would I be now if pumpkins grew on trees!"

Throughout the ages there has been a lot of talk about the "secret plan of the universe"-usually by people who make the unlikely claim that they have somehow figured it out!

Yet this story reminds us that there are mysteries that are beyond our current level of comprehension.  And this has relevance to people who are goal-oriented.

Some of the aforementioned individuals who claim to have cracked the secrets of the universe will tell you that if your intentions and beliefs are strong enough, literally everything is possible because the "universe" wants to grant all our wishes.  Is that so?

If we go along with the idea that there is some sort of unseen and benevolent wish-granting entity at work in our lives, wouldn't it be wise enough to recognize that some of them would in the long run be harmful to ourselves or the greater good ?

As a wise rabbi once said "God always answers your prayers and sometimes the answer is no!" Stay motivated and inspired but be flexible enough to know that sometimes you have to shift your intentions.