The renewing power of a shattered dream
I've been thinking a lot lately about the dreams, aspirations, plans, and hopes we all have in life. One of the things I'm learning all over again is that there are seasons in life when things simply do not turn out the way we had hoped and planned. It could be a job loss, death of a loved one, sickness, relationship issues, and a host of other things.
It's not as if we didn't believe these things could happen, after all they're all around us. But, we usually believe they happen to other people, not us. Then, when they fall on our doorstep, we're often taken back by its arrival and for a time live in a state of disbelief.
No one should go searching for trouble and challenge, that would prove to be a very sadistic approach to life. However, life does happen.
Triumph and heartache
In life, there are moments of great triumph and victory, as well as days of challenge, difficulty and heartache.
Jesus said it best -
"In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome this world."
In order to better prepare ourselves for both victory and disappointment, the best way to approach life is with an optimistic realism; one that creates space for both experiences.
Living life this way will enable us to walk through the good and bad times with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective, trusting always in the faithful character of a loving God who promised to remain with us through all of the things life can bring our way. This perspective should become the lens through which we view and experience all of life.
Shattered dreams
I'm beginning to understand that when it comes to dreams, the same truth applies. There are moments when dreams are realized and other times when they are not.
I'm also beginning to understand that in those moments, perhaps more than any other time, we should take the opportunity to re-evaluate our dreams.
Maybe the things we wanted out of life were positive and helpful for others, as well as ourselves. However, the good nature and positive focus of our dreams doesn't necessarily mean they were ever meant for us to experience.
Sometimes we attempt to move in directions we were never meant to travel. And, in those moments, the most appropriate way to respond is not by asking God 'why?' questions, which are rarely ever answered, but with a humble sense of rediscovering God's dreams for us.
These moments can at times last for weeks and months, to the point where we sometimes lose all sense of direction. As painful and difficult as these times may be, they all too often prove to be the most important part of the transition to something new.
Liminal space
One author referred to this period as liminal space - that in-between time when life seems to be without any sense of purpose. However, this seemingly directionless episode can become the most important aspect in the entire growth process.
This is the time when resting in God and trusting in His nature and faithful character ought to take center stage. Circumstances may change on a daily basis. Yet, God remains faithful in the midst of the seemingly aimless circumstances, to guide us into a new dream - His dream for us.
The greatest gift God can give us in these moments is the gift of surrender - that 'I give up' kind of feeling. It's almost like He says in response, 'Great! That's what I've wanted all along.'
And, when you finally reach that place of absolute surrender, life begins to change direction.
Even though the exterior circumstances may not have changed all that much, something happens to us on the inside. There is a renewed sense of hope, peace, and trust, when you know that God is leading you forward.
As odd as it may seem in these times, this knowing provides the strength to persevere because you know that God is with you.
And, there's no better feeling than that.
So, dream on...
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