Remembering How to Dream [Mth 7-Day 3-Post 45]

“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.” – Helen Keller

It’s been a long time since I’ve allowed myself to really dream. I mean, the kind of dreaming that inspires great action and courage and hope. I know it’s because my last big dream didn’t turn out the way I thought it would. Moving to Peru as missionaries was such a huge dream that seemed so impossible at first, but day by day we prepared and pressed forward and did the work. God was faithful to open doors and provide for our every need. And then we spent about as long living there as it took us to prepare to go. Not that we could even remotely consider it a failure. We ministered to hundreds of people through medical clinics, men’s and women’s and youth events, building new homes, teaching English, visiting orphanages, and so much more. Not a single moment was wasted. And I am happy with that. I’m just not happy that it had to end.

Some dreams are not meant to last a lifetime. In fact, most dreams are just temporary goals that we set until they are accomplished, like earning a degree, running a marathon, or being an Olympic athlete. Sometimes when we attain our dreams, those who are inwardly motivated find something new to set their minds on. Sometimes when our dreams are dashed, we stall, stand still, stop, even stagnate. Some of us forget to dream again.

It was August this year when my heart remembered how to dream. To dream of something worthy of my effort. To dream of something so great, so significant, that not only my life but the lives of my family and friends and countless individuals I haven’t even met yet could be changed by it. To dream of something so difficult and yet so easy if I just don’t ever, ever give up on that dream.

I remember when the decision had been firmly made and shared that we were moving to Peru. There was never a single moment of doubt that entered our minds, not a single second when we considered changing our minds. Of course, there were plenty of people who had opinions about why we shouldn’t go, but that was expected. Anything worth doing will face opposition. But when the dream that God has planted in you is sure, focused and specific, the reality is that no opposition can deter you. After all, nothing is impossible with God. If you believe that, you can achieve anything. And as Helen Keller said, you will find joy in the journey of overcoming whatever obstacle is in your way. Success is just a matter of perseverance.