I do believe there are things that we desire that are not in the
I do believe there are things that we desire that are not in the cards. But more often than not, when people have a desire for a relationship and it's not happening, there are probably issues to be resolved and issues people could work on that would ultimately end in that desire being fulfilled.
Hear the words of Henry Cloud, who with wisdom born of counsel declared: “I do believe there are things that we desire that are not in the cards. But more often than not, when people have a desire for a relationship and it’s not happening, there are probably issues to be resolved and issues people could work on that would ultimately end in that desire being fulfilled.” In this saying lies the balance between fate and responsibility, between what is beyond us and what is within our power to change.
He speaks first of desire, that longing of the human heart which reaches for love, connection, and fulfillment. Not every desire is destined to be granted; some paths remain closed, some dreams unfulfilled. This is the mystery of life, where not all things lie within our reach, no matter how deeply we yearn.
Yet Cloud reminds us that when the longing for a relationship goes unanswered, it is often not fate but the self that stands in the way. There may be hidden wounds, fears unhealed, or habits unbroken—issues to be resolved before the soul is ready to receive what it seeks. In this, he shifts the gaze from destiny to responsibility, calling each seeker to labor inwardly as much as outwardly.
He teaches that by working on these issues, the heart is purified, the spirit strengthened, and the path cleared for love to enter. Thus, the fulfillment of desire is often not denied, but delayed until the soul is ready. What seems like fate withholding is sometimes wisdom preparing, shaping us into vessels worthy of what we seek.
Therefore, O seekers, remember: though not all desires may be ours, many are within reach if we are willing to confront and heal what lies within. The longing for a relationship is sacred, but it calls for growth and labor of the soul. In Cloud’s words we hear the wisdom of the ancients—that destiny is not only written in the stars, but also carved by our own hands. Would you like me to cast this into a parable of the sealed door, which opens only when the seeker first mends the key within?
DKLe Nguyen Dang Khoa
This quote seems to suggest that people might need to change something about themselves to find the relationship they desire. But I wonder, could the issue be something outside of their control—like the right person just not coming along at the right time? Do you think it’s always something we can fix within ourselves, or are there times when it’s out of our hands?
ADAn Duy
It’s interesting how the quote emphasizes the importance of self-work in achieving relationship goals. But does this mean that everyone can eventually have the relationship they want, as long as they work on themselves? Or are there certain situations where no amount of self-improvement can change the outcome?
LAlan anh
I agree with the idea that people’s desires for relationships often go unfulfilled because there are deeper issues that need to be worked through. However, I wonder if some people are just not in the right circumstances to form meaningful connections. What do you think—can timing and external factors play as big a role as inner personal growth?
MNMinh Nhat
This quote really made me think about the challenges we face in relationships. It suggests that sometimes we want something that isn't meant to be, but it's not always just fate—our own unresolved issues might be blocking us. Do you think that’s true? Is it possible that people often avoid addressing their personal struggles because they hope the relationship will just magically work out?