Luke 1:45
Do you ever get so focused on all the roadblocks in your life that you just stop and settle? You don’t even look for the detour. You may not even realize that you have settled or packed your dreams away. Over time, one by one we put them on a shelf for later. They begin to gather dust, and then little by little the current and present tasks get placed in front of them and block your view. They become forgotten, moved to the mental “someday” file, or perhaps just given up on.
It may be that your now is so full and overwhelming that it seems like things will never change, slow down, or get better. You make plans to get caught up on the laundry, clean out the garage, build that model or dollhouse with your children. But let’s be honest, how often do we plan to get caught up on the pursuit of our dreams?
We can also become so obsessed or fixated on our desires that at times we become bitter or jealous when things don’t turn out our way or in our timing. Maybe your friend or family member achieved/received something you wished for and she didn’t even have it on her list. And maybe she doesn’t appear to appreciate it or care that it happened or that it is there. You see, we all have a different list, what is a dream come true for one is a burden to another. The best part is, this makes our world a lot more interesting. Sometimes, when I stop striving or just get busy with other things, God not only reminds me of a dream and desire I once had, but he brings it forward in the act of blessing and fulfillment. Those moments just blow me away!
So, what are the desires of your heart? Do you remember? If so, can you embrace them? Can you gather them up and dust them off- say hello to that part of your life. Just try, even if just for a moment, even if they are so far from where you are. Breathe some life into them again, even if it is just awakening the thoughts that you have had desires, dreams, and goals that may not be in the forefront of your mind.
Someone once told me that we are our truest selves when we are 9 years old. That really stuck with me. This person had just met one of my children and inquired about their age and then told them that this was true. I am not sure what this thought is based on, but if you can imagine it for a moment it may hold some truth. At 9 years old we have what some may say are childish desires- the sky high kind, the kind that don’t require planning (how?) or reasoning (why?). Our 9 year old self is not intimidated by what others think and I would say our desires are pure. Nine year olds also have (usually) not been jaded by this tough world we live in, one of hard breaks and disappointments.
If you need help with drawing up your dreams and desires, think of your nine year old self and see if any memories arise. What did you want to do “when you grew up”? If you have dreams that are always there and occupy your heart often, how can you reconcile the wait? Do you have faith that dream will come true? Can you embrace the dream?
I have been praying for one of the greatest desires of my heart to come true for 18 years. I feel that the Lord promised it to me years ago and I know He is faithful and will do it. What I don’t know is the how and when, so I embrace the dream. I am encouraged by knowing that He is in control. That I can count on Him. That I can embrace every part.
Simply: Life and Love 