I Dream of...

Dreams...desires...we all have them. As much as we may dream while sleeping, that's not the type I'm referring to. I'm talking about the ones we spend hours day-dreaming about and put a lot of energy into, or the ones we've had since we were years younger. They sometimes change overtime when a new dream takes over, or life just makes us realise that it wasn't really worth the time or energy. Sometimes, we have them for life. We may live to see them realised, or we live continually hoping...

In a sense, dreams are a part of who we are, an extension of ourselves. It could be our good side or the naughty one. The dreams could be God-breathed or the result of our selfish desires. What becomes important are two things: 1) from whence do the dream emerge, and 2) which do we keep alive.

As a Christian, I strive to keep alive those which I believe are of the Spirit or simply those which facilitate my growth and development. What I've learnt about these dreams is that we must be very careful who we share them with. Some people can stiffle them; others will try to taint them; but yet others will seek to help them thrive. We aught to trust the people who we allow access to this part of who we are. I've learnt that when people do not have your experiences, your thoughts, the full backstory or the Word of God, they have the potential to ruin what was intended to be beautiful. But there are others who will encourage you to follow and pursue your dreams, even when they don't understand it. They will treat it with care...the care that this extension of you deserve.

I recently heard a speaker tell the story of going to a restaurant. He ordered a particular meal, but half hour later, other people who arrived after he did were served while he waited. On asking why is this so, he was told that what he ordered was something that needed all that time to be properly cooked (and I suppose for the flavours to meld). The moral of the story: some things take time to be perfected. In the same way, some dreams need time to become reality.

I have many dreams - not all are worth repeating or should be granted unto me. However, I've adopted the philosophy that what God has not brought to fruition is either not for me, or not for right now. (So naturally, this teaches patience.) Many things which are a part of my life were once dreams, and for that I am forever grateful. There are others for which I'm seeking the Spirit to lead on...

Do I leave the restaurant in sheer frustration before the meal is ready, hoping that something better is elsewhere? Or do I sit patiently while the chefs take their time and ensure all the right ingredients are used and the right amount of heat applied for the right amount of time? Despite periods of frustration and confusion, I'm opting for the latter.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11

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