My childhood was filled with stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and other wonderful tales that all had the same ending, "and they lived happily ever after." Each of these characters had wishes that seemed unattainable, yet, in the end, they came true. Either a fairy godmother worked her magic or a kiss from Prince Charming broke an evil spell. However it came about, the same was true. That girl's dreams became reality. Of course, anything is possible in make believe. Real life isn't always tied up with ribbons and bows though.
Somewhere along the way in my younger days, I came to believe that the dreams I had for my life came from God. I thought,"Surely He wouldn't allow me to have a dream that He didn't intend to fulfill." Needless to say, I had a lot to learn about my relationship with Him and about His purpose for me on this earth. Even now, at an age that I certainly should know better, I still find myself realizing that dreams that I have held onto for decades just probably aren't going to come to fruition. I shed a few tears over some of them then reluctantly relinquish them into the hands of the One who has much greater things in store.
As I examine some of the things I dreamed for, I am able to see how selfish they really were. I wanted them simply because I wanted them. It isn't that any of those things were bad, only that the only purpose they would serve would be my own. I didn't figure eternity into them. I never thought about how I could serve the Lord better through them. I never even really asked Him about them. They were lofty hopes that were mine. All mine. I just assumed that once they came about, my life would be complete.
What happens when we spend so much time dreaming, is that we run the risk of not seeing what God is actually doing in our lives. When I stop to think about it, what gives me unspeakable joy is simply sharing the love of Christ with those around me. When I keep my focus on Him and my mind in the present, then my eyes are opened to all the opportunities He gives me each day to reach out to friends, family, acquaintances and strangers with the love, encouragement and compassion that can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. None of the dreams that came from my own mind can even begin to compare with how content I feel when I simply do the work He sets in front of me to do.
This world is temporary. I could spend my limited time fulfilling my own desires, or I can go to Him each day and ask Him what He would like for me to do. If He chooses to use one of my dreams for His purposes, then I will praise Him and ask Him to help me remember that it is for HIM and not for me. And if He doesn't choose to, then I can know that it isn't because of any lack of love He has for me, but quite the opposite. He loves me so much that He only wants the best for me while I walk this planet. And, one day, I will be in Heaven which will be far beyond anything any human mind could ever dream of. God bless.
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