“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Again, and again we ask our children this question. To ad nauseaum. It’s one of those default conversations that we bring up when we don’t know what to talk about with children. Why?
Because it’s exciting to see how children view the future. A child’s outlook holds endless hope and opportunity. They’re told, “You can be anything you want to be.” And each week they hold a new dream.
A fireman. The president. A ballerina. A teacher. A doctor.
Their endless list thrills us! It’s a game we play to see what dream they are holding in their heart for that season of time. Their enthusiasm and endless possibilities are infectious.
So…. Let me ask you…
What do you want to be?
What’s your dream? Maybe it’s a lingering childhood dream or passion. Perhaps it’s something you didn’t even realize until you saw someone else living it, which, in turn, sparked a longing in you. Is there something you’re doing now that you would like to pursue to a higher level? Turn a hobby into a profession?
My guess is that you, like the young ones, are holding a dream in your heart. But…
There’s an enormous difference between a child and you or me. A child is eager to share his dream, talk about it and tell everyone what he wants to be. And while we encourage our children to dream, often we hesitate to even speak ours.
Maybe you’ve wanted to – but stopped yourself with thoughts like these:
- What if it doesn’t work?
- What if I fail?
- What if I’m no good?
- What will they think?
STOP!
God does not plant dreams and passions in our hearts for no reason. There is a ripple effect. God has gifted you with the gifts and talents that you have – for the circle of influence that you have. Trust His vision.
Today I challenge you. Speak your dream. Tell someone you can trust to be supportive. Don’t tell everyone – be discerning. (There’s always someone who will try to discourage you). And as you talk about it, take steps toward it’s manifestation.
- Have you always wanted to be a writer? Start a blog and tell someone. Or write and share your work with a friend.
- Interested in furthering your education? Look up what it would take.
- Have you admired a success of a friend? Pick their brain and learn how they did what they did.
- Do you want to get in shape? Go for a walk, find a workout buddy, log your food today.
- Is there a trip you want to take? Start a savings account for that purpose and skip Starbucks.
- Get a glimpse of your potential. And take that first step. Make a plan. Where do you want to be in a year? Then break it down. What will you do this week?
What is that first step you will take this week?
Until you pursue your dream there will always be a restlessness in you….
Perhaps you lack confidence?
Consider Moses’ hesitation to lead the Israelites – Exodus chapters 3-4 tells the account of a man distraught over the captivity of his people, yet resistant to help… because he doubted his abilities. There is no question that Moses had the heart to walk out God’s call, but his confidence waned.
Three times Moses argued with God about accepting the call, and three times God explained to Moses that He would provide all Moses needed. Finally, after his last argument with God, the bible says that “the LORD’s anger burned against Moses,” and yet, in the same sentence he offered to send Moses’ brother Aaron as a helper.
Moses agreed.
Did you get that?!
Moses had a dream, and God called him in it. Moses lacked confidence and argued with God again and again. Each time, although the arguing made God angry, God provided an answer until Moses was satisfied.
Just as God met Moses where he was at, God will meet you where you are. With all your questions, fears, lack of experience, whatever your hurdle…
Zig Ziglar put it this way:
Take that first step today.
Even a small step will get you on your way!
God planted a dream in your heart that aligns with your gifts and talents. He will walk through the steps with you!
Be sure to share your dream with a friend who will encourage you!
If you’d like to share, I’d love to hear about your dream, your steps toward your dream, etc.
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Welcome to the Trekking Thru Linkup Party!!
If you’d like to linkup – PLEASE visit other sites and spend a little time there too!! Have a blessed week my friends!
Becky Hastings says
Love this encouragement today! Dreaming is part of us, and God loves to see us take steps toward our dreams (as any parent would). I loved the book “God Made You For a God Sized Dream” by Holley Gerth. Great read 🙂
Char says
Hi Becky! I’ll have to check out Holley’s book. Thanks for mentioning it. I’m excited about your DWELL study and hope my readers head over your way for a blessing!
Debbie Williams says
Char loved this and love how God has woven my life all these years from playing with dolls and playing school to being retired now and God leading me to the public school system to show His light, and how reading and Bible studies led me to blogging.
Char says
That’s wonderful to see how the Lord has weaved the love of teaching through your years. I love that Debbie!! I see those passions in children and it’s exciting to see the manifestation as they grow.
Melissa says
To date by 8 year old son wants to be an animal rescuer or a scientist and my 5 year old daughter wants to be a princess. My dreams aren’t quite as lofty as my daughter’s! I do however have some dreams to create courses for mental health issues and some book topics are on my heart. Those ambitions have also led me to contemplate private practice which is a bit of a scary and would definitely be a step out in faith.
Char says
Thanks for sharing Melissa! Those are big dreams and each of them have the heart to help others…. God’s heart!
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Char, for this tribute and encouragement to all the “starters,” those who have taken one step and are now in the waiting game. I’m encouraged by your words to remember that God honors the small progress I make, and it’s up to Him to orchestrate and ordain the next move.
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Man oh man. I was just thinking over this today…more about how when you’re in the thick of pursuing your dream it doesn’t feel like it did when you “plotted it out” in the beginning. I am SURE that 20 years into the desert, Moses was wondering what he’d God had gotten him into. But the middle is just as necessary as the beginning and end. Thank you for making me remember that beginning again!
Char says
I remember a friend saying “keep doing what God showed you to do until He calls you clearly to something else.” Keeping on the journey takes fortitude and focus! What a joy it will be to see your dreams manifested Jamie!
Donna Reidland says
I know even though we falter and doubt, God is faithful. I’m nearing 70, but I still have lots of dreams. Sometimes I hold back sharing them for all the reasons you mentioned, but I’m gradually getting better about it. Thanks for reminding us to step out in faith.
Char says
Thanks for sharing Donna. Our humanity kicks in and we doubt the dreams God plants in our hearts. Keep dreaming!!!
Rachel Lee says
Very encouraging message today, Char. Thank you!
Debbie Putman says
I love how God shapes my dreams. He includes some of what I love-making a home-with a new dream of serving others through hospital visitation and welcoming people into my home.
Char says
Those are precious dreams Debbie! Thanks for sharing!
sue says
Not sure I have one today. But tomorrow – that’s a different story! (: Great post, Char. You are a good writer and I enjoy reading your posts. And thanks for hosting.
Lisa notes says
I always wanted to be a teacher and a mommy when I grew up, and I got to do both. 🙂 Now I want to be a grandmother, and hopefully within the next few days that will happen too! 39 weeks and counting…
Char says
Oh congratulations Lisa!!! I’m jealous! Enjoy every minute with that precious baby!
Maree Dee says
I loved your post. It left me smiling. I can relate so well to Moses. My dream is to write a book. I need to start taking the steps to do this.
Char says
That’s my dream too Maree! Let’s go!!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting. I linked my Weight Watchers Veggie Soup, an Amish Pasta Salad and very Berry Pancakes for that weekend brunch. I hope you enjoy them! Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Gayl says
Char, what an encouraging post! I do have dreams and i keep putting off some because I’m just not sure what to do. But I think I’ll set a goal and find the info I need and then set up steps to take each week. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! Also, my post is about dreaming so I think it’s cool our topics coincide this week. 🙂
Blessings to you!
Char says
That’s wonderful Gayl!! I’m headed to your site now!