Blogger: Rachel Kent
Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Is there ever a time when a dream you have needs to die? Is there such a thing as an unrealistic dream? For that matter, is there such a thing as a realistic dream?
I’m not sure what the answers to these questions are, but I’d say that all dreams tend to be at least somewhat unrealistic, but they’re usually possible. (Unless you’re dreaming about becoming the next Spiderman with the web-shooting and all. Good luck on that one!)
Personally I think, if my dream is causing me a lot of heartache and pain, it might be time to let go of that one. Perhaps sometimes when we feel it’s time to let go of a dream, and we do, then we open ourselves up to see what God’s plan is for our lives.
Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear what you have to say!
I have had to let some dreams die. It’s not easy. Typically there is a mourning period involved. No matter how silly a dream may look on paper, it was something you were attached to, something you thought you could make a reality.
But I agree, if the dream is causing heartache and pain–and not the good kind of pain that comes from a workout–the kind that overshadows the joy and enthusiasm that you have for your dream, it’s time to let go.
God is omniscient. We aren’t. It takes hindsight for us to see that, but faith for us to know it.
I really enjoyed the blog thread this week.
I think sometimes we dream dreams that God never intended for us and I agree that when we realize that (and it can be difficult to let go) we can be open to what God really does want.
I think a God-given dream is like being pregnant. A dream is conceived and then it takes a period of time to grow and develop and while it’s happening, it can be uncomfortable, keep us up at night, and stretch us. The labor over that dream can even be painful but God is always faithful to deliver it and give us resources and help to make it healthy along the way. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed your posts this week, Rachel! Have a great weekend.
I think we know when a dream isn’t working for us the way we’d hoped. Sometimes it’s a matter of timing–maybe we need to put the dream on hold. Sometimes it’s a matter of redefining the dream. And sometimes we have to take a hard look at ourselves and ask how much we really want it? It’s when the last point happens that I’ve found the truth, and that’s when I make the most effort to do everything in my power to make the dream come true.
I loved this series, Rachel. You gave me so many good things to think about.
I think many of our dreams that “have to die” were never really ours to begin with, but only ones we thought we should have. A certain career, a certain promotion, a certain place, etc. I believe we are closest to our real dreams when we start thinking about those things that are closest to our heart. Those things we are personally passionate about and derive great pleasure in working toward. Those things we were “made for.”
However, I also think there are many of us who ignore our own talents and interests and spend our lives struggling just to do a decent job at our chosen profession while staying halfway enthusiastic in the process. Which could also account for people having two and three different careers throughout their lifetimes. Then there are those who think their dreams have died, who end up having them come true later down the road. So, there definitely seems to be something about timing, too, and the fact that “no” doesn’t always mean never.
Dreams are good. If for nothing other than the refreshing moments they give in thinking about them. They also help us to figure out what our true desires really are. And if we “delight ourselves in the Lord, he promises to give us the desires of our heart.” (that’s a Lilly paraphrase for Psalm 37:4). Wonderful topic. Thank you for refreshing us, this week, Rachel!
I have to agree with everyone here. There are dreams that we might have, but they may not be part of God’s plan. If we listen, He always guides us in the right direction. It’s when we’re stubborn and try to hold onto dreams that we’re not intended to follow that problems ensue. I’ve done it more than once, and only after some reflection have been able to realize that I went astray from His plan.
Thanks for a wonderful week of posts, Rachel. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Wowza, Lilly said exactly what I was thinking in regards to that first question 🙂
I don’t think there is such a thing as an unrealistic dream. For example, I’m sure one that all writers of faith have is that our writing is able to speak to those who need to hear what words we are inspired to write. But to dream that our words have the power to touch a complete stranger! That our meager abilities are able to sway the soul! Surely that must be unrealistic. Impossible. A non-believer friend even once told me that we’d “have to invent a new mathematics to calculate such arrogance” of thinking we could do as such.
But dreams make reality, not the other way around. Dreams infuse our limited perception with a glimpse of that which is beyond us. What a worthless world if all that is real were misery and pain and rage. Yet we can dream of something better, and if we can dream of that which is better, surely grace can fill the gap between what is can what can be.
Wow! Such great insights. Thank you!
You remind me of the saying that a goal is just a dream with a plan. I believe a dream is impossible. It becomes possible when you make baby-step goals.
blessings,
Voni
I once heard a pastor say he had an old van loaded with dead dreams, but he hadn’t been able to shove them over a cliff yet.
Sometimes, I think even if we are willing to let go, we hang on. Ready in a split second to resurrect one of those dreams we thought had passed into the never-never.
Fear of remaining dreamless, fear of the grieving process, and fear of failure often keep us hanging on to the impossible.
Personally, I’ve learned to let go, to grieve, to trust the Lord for the next step and to dispel the failure fear. All of this takes time though.
Considering our life is wrapped in faith…”Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” makes it more difficult to give up. Once, a dream I had let go of, was fulfilled elven years later!
Loved reading the post and all the responses.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone…and, just for a Friday chuckle…. remember…..”An author who writes in the basement is sure to have a best cellar.”
I think that sometimes writers have an idea for a book that just isn’t coming together or just won’t sell and they need to be able to let that dream die.
I think you reach maturing when you realize who you are NOT. I have had dreams but they were not necessarily the dreams God had planned for me, Usually those dreams failed and almost Always NEVER came to pass even if GOD allowed it for a short time. i think its important to tell your children who they are and who they are NOT. Because holding onto a dream that God never had in mind for you is very frustrating when you do not achieve it. I think there are dreams you forfeit through unbelief or sin. But truly the dreams God intended for you will happen regardless of what you do. I believe He already knows.
And i think that you must dream when you really want God’s will for your life, because the things you attach yourself to may be unrealistic for what HE wants for you. Before you start dreaming its important to know why God created you and for what purpose. I mean i could dream to be a piano player, which may be possible but if i am gifted in Art that may be a better fit and God’s purpose. If you have a dream die it could be someone else’s dream and not yours, or GOD’s dream for you, generally our flesh doesnt want initally what GOD wants for us, so its important to get that in check before you start dreaming because only what you do for Christ will last.