Why it's okay to feel lost, like the Three Wise Men!
- Dean Lobo
- Jan 5, 2019
- 3 min read
The Magi, who are said to have visited Jesus Christ at his birth, can teach us valuable lessons that we can use in our private and professional lives
Today, the sixth of January is 'Epiphany'. For many households, like mine, it marks the last day of Christmas, post which the decorations are taken down. But Western Christianity also commemorates it as the day the Magi (also referred to as the 'Three Wise Men' or the 'Three Kings') visited the Christ child.
The Christmas story talks of these wise men who came from the East. Most believe that there were three of them, though there is no credible mention of this. The number probably came from the three gifts of gold, incense and myrrh they are believed to have brought with them. One would never know if there were three of them or more. Personally, the closest that I got to know about the three kings was when I watched Katherine Hardwicke’s 2006 film, The Nativity Story where she so wonderfully gives each of them a unique character; one even being the fussy, doubting Thomas (if your name is Thomas, I mean no disrespect) who at first wasn’t keen on making the trip, but later joined the other two. Someone else I know believed that there were four of them. She quipped that one decided to take another way to the manger and not follow the bright star. He never got around to finding his way. Alas for there not being GPS in those days!
Be that as it may, a few years ago, a dear friend of mine, also a teacher of philosophy, gave me a very different perspective of the story, which I found interesting and worth sharing on this occasion. His version seemed to highlight "lessons" we could all use in our professional and personal lives.
This friend imagines that the wise men probably travelled hundreds of miles to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. They rode camels; hardy beasts but not very comfortable to sit on. Also in those days, travelling was probably dangerous; considering the risk of encountering robbers on the way and little police force in place. But they followed the star, their only GPS system. They probably lost their way, which is why they landed up at old king Herod's to ask for directions.
All this might just be legend, but coming to think of it, we are all really like the wise men today, going on journeys of our own, in search of what we want - happiness, success, love, contentment. The wise men found what they set out looking for, I am confident that we will do too.
In conclusion, like the three wise men...
We mustn't lose sight of our goals. As easy as it sounds, there will be times when one will. I guess it's natural. It's human to feel lost, but it's empowering then to also do what follows in the next point.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The wise men sought help too. It makes life easier. I've experienced for myself so many times here in Canada, where people are happy to help in the best way they can.
I couldn't find a fresher perspective about this story, which is why I chose to write a little bit about it today. If you're still looking for inspiration, I'd reckon you listening to Gift of Love, a beautiful a capella piece by The Boones. It speaks of the wise men as well!
PS: If you ever happen to be in Goa in my native country of India on January 6, be sure to visit the Three Kings Chapel perched on a lonely hillock in Cansaulim. That's one of the places where you can actually celebrate the 'Feast of the Three Kings' (picture above). It's quite a grand affair, with food, a live band and the three kings chosen among village boys between the the age of 8-12.
This article is an opinion piece, originally written as a personal blog piece.
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