When my Uncle Kevin was at university in 1968 he was in the London Bach Choir. One November evening at choir practice, the conductor said, “If you are interested in doing something fun come back here on Tuesday at 11pm. You’ll find out what it is when you get here!”

Always up for a laugh, the 19 year old Kevin arrived at the choir hall with no idea what to expect. He was delighted to discover Mick Jagger and Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones in deep conversation with the conductor. The atmosphere was pregnant with excitement. Jagger spun round and said, “Alright?! We’re making a record and we need a choir on it. I can’t read or write music but I can tell you all what you need to be singing. It’s called ‘You can’t always get what you want’ and it’s pretty good!” The song is now one of the best known rock songs in history from the Stones' album "Let It Bleed".

This story of my rock and roll uncle reminds me of two things. Firstly, I want to remain open to surprising opportunities like the optimistic Kevin. Malcolm Gladwell believes that people who get breakthroughs simply take more risks than others.  What opportunities will arise for us this week? Will we take a risk on them?

Secondly, the central phrase of the Rolling Stones classic is “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need.” I love this line but Jesus takes this sentiment even further and promises that if we seek God’s Kingdom we will get what we need. He guarantees that God will provide us with whatever we need to eat, drink and wear (Matthew 6:25-34). Good parents don’t just give their kids what they need, they also give them what they want - sometimes, where it is appropriate! Jesus reminds us that if we as failing humans know how to do this, God is even better at it. So God doesn’t just want to give you what you need, but he also wants to give you what you want - sometimes, where it is appropriate! (Matthew 7:11)

So may I encourage you to remain open to the surprises that God may present you with this week. I pray that we are able to allow our heavenly Father to give us the good things we need and want. And I also pray that I meet Mick Jagger, I have some of his moves that I should return!