Believe it or not, dreams come true in places other than Disneyland.
While some dreams take us to far away lands, sometimes the unthinkable happens right where we live. Listen to what happened just down the street, at Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton, Colorado. But first a little background to put this story in context.
On and off over the years, Sophie, our daughter, has voiced the desire to someday “be a mermaid.” Maybe it’s similar to the fascination of many young girls to be a princess. That one never captivated Sophie, but being a mermaid has been her lifelong dream.
Recently, Sophie and I strolled through the Southwest Plaza Mall, slowly making our way toward the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a caramel apple to celebrate her 21st birthday. The refurbished mall remained quiet as we window shopped through our favorite stores. Coming upon Justice, a young girls’ clothing store, we ventured in to look over the clothing and accessories.
This nostalgic visit greeted us with mermaid backpacks, with little tails. They also had swimsuits that reflected shiny scales, and even mermaid toys. Sophie exclaimed, “I would have loved this stuff when I was younger.” As we moved on from the store, Sophie shared that being a mermaid was on her bucket list. Someday, she wanted to perform as a mermaid to fulfill a childhood dream.
As we continued our stroll we came upon a kiosk advertising Seaquest, an interactive aquarium that opens in the mall in June 2018. One thing led to another — a phone call, an interview, a tail fitting, and then another phone call — Sophie got the job! She’s a mermaid at Seaquest. It’s her “dream come true” job! Pursuing this dream took some effort on her part, but in partnership with God, she will experience the unimaginable.
It amazes me how God has brought together Sophie’s gifting in leadership, education in musical theater, experiences as a stage performer, and her passion for children and God’s creation in this new role that seems perfectly fitted just for her. God inspired, Sophie prepared, God moved, and by working together, the dream materialized.
What dreams do you have?
Dreams abound throughout the Bible. Abraham and Sarah dreamed of a child. Moses dreamed of the deliverance. Esther dreamed of justice. Zacchaeus dreamed of a special houseguest. Martha dreamed of healing for her brother. Peter dreamed of the good news for all peoples.
Sophie dreamed of being a mermaid. Sammy, our son, dreams of catching and releasing all 60 species and sub-species of trout and salmon in North America. He wants to make videos of each one to celebrate God’s extravagance in creation and champion conservation efforts. As some are on the verge of extinction, he has his work cut out for him. So far, he has caught and released 27 species, and counting. Gary dreams of equipping servants of God in every nation of the world with biblical teaching on generosity, fundraising, and financial accountability so God’s people everywhere will participate confidently and sacrificially in His work. I am living my dream by serving God and loving people as Soulcare Anchoress. Dream!
Have you ever asked, “God, what are your dreams for me?”
If you scribbled ten aspirations on a piece of paper, what would come into view? Would your dreams relate to your faith, work, home, family, neighbors, hobbies, burdens? In what ways has God prepared you to pursue those dreams? Do your unique burdens and passions direct your dreams? What training and education do you have? How does your spiritual gifting from God empower you to live into your dreams?
Sometimes our dreams may seem impossible, so we don’t pursue them. Perhaps, because we feel inadequate or alone.
But, the truth is, the God who gives us the capacity to dream, also promises His presence with us.
With Him as our companion, we can also pursue them. Dreams do come true, especially as we relinquish them to God and walk faithfully with Him.
Psalm 37 reminds us to trust in the Lord, delight ourselves in Him, and commit our ways to His plans. When we do, sometimes God morphs our dreams into His dreams like He did when Paul dreamed of preaching in Asia, but God intended for him to preach in Macedonia (see Acts 16:6-10). Other times, God changes the dream completely. Moses dreamed of entering the Promised Land, yet in the end, God allowed just a glimpse (see Numbers 27:12-14).
Dreams propel us forward in pursuit of God and others. Whether you dream big or dream small, keep dreaming! God takes our dreams and fashions them to influence the world. Let God use your unique gifting, experiences and passions to change the world, starting in the little corner of the world where He has placed you.
Your dreams might not include being a mermaid at Seaquest at Southwest Plaza Mall, but dream where you are and watch the hand of the Lord move. Walk with Jesus and see your dreams, His dreams for you, unfold.
I love this new song, Dream Small, by Josh Wilson.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrkYjmMAgN0)
“It’s a momma singing songs about the Lord
It’s a daddy spending family time that the world said he cannot afford
These simple moments change the world
It’s a pastor at a tiny little Church
Forty years of loving for the broken and the hurt
These simple moments change the world
Dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Dream small
It’s visiting the widow down the street
Or dancing on a Friday with your friend with special needs
These simple moments change the world
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bigger dreams
Just don’t miss the minutes on your way, your bigger things
‘Cause these simple moments change the world
But dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
So dream small
Keep loving, keep serving
Keep listening, keep learning
Keep praying, keep hoping
Keep seeking, keep searching
Out of these small things and watch them grow bigger
The God who does all things makes oceans… from rivers”
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Acts 16:6-10
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.Psalm 37: 3-7
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Check out these suggested readings.
John Piper. Don’t Waste Your Life. Wheaton, IL, 2003.
Kathleen Hardaway. Dare to Believe Again: Boldly Live Out Your God-Given Dreams. New York, NY, 2017.