I just finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the HGTV show Fixer Upper. I was inspired the miracles in their lives and encouraged by how they overcame so many obstacles as a couple. Their faith in God and willingness to support each other’s dreams honestly overwhelm me.
As I sit here reflecting on their story, I wonder what has happened to my dreams and I feel a bit like I’ve lost my way in the labyrinth of the corporate rat race. As a child, I can clearly remember being a big dreamer. I guess that’s not unusual though; after all, aren’t all children dreamers? I was no stranger to thinking big… believing I could be “rich” one day…believing I could “have it all…” Being raised in a lower-middle-class immigrant family shaped these notions even further. (My parents were the ultimate dreamers! In their early-40’s they took a risk and started over with five suitcases, three kids, and one-way tickets to this country.)
I understand now as a born again believer in Jesus Christ, that living the dream isn’t about fame or fortune; it’s about fulfilling your God given purpose. Considering this perspective, would you agree that you are living your dream? If not, why not? Perhaps you are like me; you found yourself on a path that is not quite fulfilling what you believe is your purpose. Or possibly, you have slowly replaced those dreams with the expectations of others, with what is socially accepted, or even the clutches of sheer reality.
Don’t misunderstand me. There is no question about it, I know that The Lord has blessed my path and I praise Him for this. He has given me a very full life to this point and as long as I am able to focus on Him (instead of comparing myself to Pintrest and Facebook which sometimes I do), I see the multitude of blessings and I am so very grateful. But there is no doubt in my mind that God has a calling for me which is about to change the direction of my life and I can’t wait to see what it is! I know He has a purpose for me to fulfill and He is reminding me to dream again. I don’t want to only fulfill a portion of His plan for me because I only have one life and one chance to fulfill God’s calling.
So, it’s time to dream again, to really hone in on the calling that God has for our lives and to step out on faith. Remember God has a purpose for each and everyone of us. Do you know what yours is? Are you ready to fulfill it?
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)
by Christine Goodson – Courageous Women
forcourageouswomen.com 