Don't Forget to Dream

Dream: photo by Alana Little

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Dream: a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal

As kids, we used to dream of what we'd be when we grow up. Our imaginations were massive - because as kids, anything is possible. The adults in our lives would tell us "You can be anything you want to be." So, why does that seem to diminish when we get older?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a meteorologist. I used to write mini stories about tornadoes and hurricanes. Weather really fascinated me. But as I started nearing the end of high school, I guess reality kicked in. Here I was changing (what I thought was) my dream, because I didn't think it'd be realistic for me to land a job right away and start making money. I applied to Kent State, paid the fee, and filled out the application - but something didn't feel right.

For some odd reason, I started leaning toward nursing. I never thought of becoming a nurse at any point in my life up until this point - my mother guided me toward the idea, and it sort of stuck with me. So, I applied to a community college and got into the nursing program. Four years later, I received my nursing degree. And God is so amazing, because not once did I have to come out of pocket for tuition - all four years I received financial aid.

Here we are over 4 years later after receiving my degree, and I can say without a doubt that nursing is not my dream. So, where did I get it wrong? Well, maybe I didn't.

Sometimes we have to go down difficult roads in order to figure out God's will/plan/desire for our life.

Nursing may not be my dream, but it helped lead me to it. I'm realizing more than ever that I'm a creative person at heart and I am now seeking to use that gift of mine more than ever.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

It is God who gives us gifts and talents, and sometimes it takes certain circumstances to bring those gifts out.

So, my question to you is, what is your dream? What are your gifts? What are you good at? What do you enjoy working on? What brings you joy first thing in the morning and keeps you awake at night with excitement?

You don't have to know all the answers to these questions right now, but I encourage you to begin seeking.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7: 7-8

Just as a little reminder, especially since it’s Black History Month: Never forget that God gave Martin Luther King, Jr. a dream - a divine one, and look at how his dream has changed the world. Never underestimate the power of a God-given dream.