To the Dreamer...

This morning I've spent some time doing some much needed soul searching. I took a moment in this crazy life to stop and appreciate all that is in front of me. It's a beautiful day, a beautiful life. But are you still left wanting more?

Part of my soul searching included reading The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. Mom gave me this book about a year ago, and it's been sitting on the shelf since then. Today I decided to dust it off and maybe get a refreshing perspective. Several points stood out to me, and I am sharing so that hopefully you can feel inspired in some way, shape, or form, to pursue all that your heart desires.

1- "Your dream is yours to act on. God is waiting for you to value His gift enough to live it. He will not force you to choose. Nor will he "make it happen" for you. You must choose. You must act" (pg 78).

To the person hoping and praying to make it through the day, to the person stuck in a monotonous cycle of the same daily routine, there's more to you than this. Yes, you have to make ends meet somehow, but are you satisfied with that? When you lay in bed at night, do you feel wholeness and complete with the life you're living? Things aren't going to change unless you do something to make them change.

2- "Present circumstances make your Dream seem out of the question. But nearly always, the truth is something else. I've found that most people who truly want to pursue their Dream can come up with a plan that makes beginnings possible" (pg 82).

There is a way. All the excuses you've been making? Some of them might be really real. I'm not discrediting that. Ask for help. Speak up. Act on it. The first step to chasing your dream comes from going out on a limb of trust and belief. Making a change, leaving your comfort zone, is the hardest part, but the end result is the most gratifying feeling. Am I there yet? Not by any means, but I've set out on my journey. "Imagine what your life will look like when you have broken the bondage of fear. You will spread your wings in new ways. You will feel the strength and peace you need to accomplish Great Things. You will move among people and situations with confidence and grace."

3- "But what so many Dreamers miss during their trek through desert times are the diamonds in the sand- those extraordinary evidences at almost every turn of a generous and merciful Dream Giver at work" (pg 115).

There will be discomfort, there will be challenges. It will be hard. That's inevitable. But if it wasn't for the hardships of embracing your dream, what worth would it have? Believing in the purpose God has given you will always catch you when you fall. "Before Ordinary could fight for his Dream and win, he needed to change on the inside- he needed to learn endurance and trust" (pg 116). "...the Wasteland happens for a good and important reason: It is an invaluable season of preparation. It is the place where God transforms you into the person who can do your Dream" (pg 117).

To the Dreamers, the Doers, "There are so many Goliaths in our world, so few Davids. You are called to take a stand for the Dream Giver, alone if necessary. But the rewards are great. So don't back down. You are a Warrior...The Giant rising up in frontof you right now is roaring defiance against humanity, against you, against God's Dream for His world. Warrior, isn't it time you reached for your stone?" (pg 145). When you get discouraged, remember why you set out on your journey in the first place. Didn't make the grades? Didn't get the promotion you wanted? Don't give up. There's a reason you're trying. There's a reason your dissatisfied with the Familiar.

I don't have all the answers. When I started photography, I had no interest in taking pictures of people, but here I am. I was so scared when Keely asked me to take on a maternity session that she was unable to book. They needed someone to capture this amazing time in their life, and I had to step up- and out of my comfort zone- to do this. That was the start of an amazing journey that would soon be supported by so many wonderful clients and people I care about. Although photography was never my dream, and isn't my main plan, it has taught me so many things about myself and life that I never would have known otherwise. It has taught me that I am capable of so many things, including accomplishing my goal of being a neonatal nurse. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and let the Unknown mold you into something greater than you ever thought possible.

Wow what a spill. This can be applied to SO many situations. I hope you enjoyed reading and find yourself doing a little soul searching as well.

Much love,

Grace

Wilkinson, Bruce, et al. The Dream Giver: Following Your God-given Destiny. Multnomah Publishers, 2003.