Yesterday I was asked “What is your dream?” My knee jerk reaction was I’m much too busy to dream, quickly followed up with I’m a planner not a dreamer.
I’m happiest with a list in hand, slowly checking off the daily “to-dos.” I was in a group when asked this question, and the stunned silence spoke more about our propensity to dream (or lack of dreams) than if we had all started shouting out answers. I really had to think about it, and even then I wasn’t thrilled with the answer I gave.
When I was little, people would ask ‘what would you like to be when you grow up?’ Or ‘What dreams do you have when you…finish high school, college, get married, etc?’ I don’t know how long it’s been since someone who was being very sincere looked me in the eyes and said ‘What is your dream?’
2 Timothy 1:7 says “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
I forget that I’m allowed to have a dream. Dreaming those huge, incredible goals doesn’t have to stop when you turn 10. What happens when I remember that God has even bigger dreams and goals for me to grow into than I could even imagine?
What occurs when I have a dream that is equal to three tiny baby steps, and after I’ve accomplished that, God says, “Ok, take a leap and let me show you how big my dreams are for you” and blows my expectations out of the water?
I wonder sometimes if I’m scared to dream because that means I have to put myself out there and do something that is out of my comfort zone. I really like my safe, happy bubble. I like knowing all the things that are upcoming and planning accordingly for them. The fewer surprises in my life the happier I am.
But…what happens when someone says “What is your dream?” and I don’t have an answer. Where did I lose my passion and excitement for life? When did I say “nah I’m too old for dreaming”?
What happens when God says, “My child I just want you to take that first baby step. I’m right behind you. I’ll give you all the support you need, but in order for me to change your life you must take the first step.”
I’m going to ask you the same question posed to me, “What is your dream?”