May 7, 2020 Dare to Dream - Father Michael's Words to Live By
…and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. - Acts 2:17
AN INTERESTING REALITY: Oftentimes when life is demanding and expectations to succeed are great; many fall into the trap of simply “trying to survive.” On the other hand, the few, the faithful, the true followers of Christ are those who dare to dream of life’s possibilities that lead to success and a brighter tomorrow.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote: “If one advances confidently in the direction of his or her dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
THOSE WHO DARED TO DREAM GREAT DREAMS:
John Killinger tells of hearing W. Clement Stone, the Chicago financier and philanthropist, reply to the question, “How have you done so much in your lifetime? Stone explained, “I have dreamed. I have turned my mind loose to imagine what I wanted to do. Then I have gone to bed and though about my dreams. In the night, I have dreamed about them. And when I have arisen in the morning, I have seen the way to get to my dreams. While other people were saying, you cannot do that, it is not possible,’ I was well on my way to achieving my dreams.”
In the America Hall at Disney World are statues of early US pioneers. A plaque reads: “Throughout the centuries there were those who took steps down new roads, armed with nothing but their dreams.”
David Livingstone stood in England pleading for missionaries to help him reach the continent of Africa. His one arm hung limply at his side, paralyzed from a lion attack. Someone asked, “Where do you go next?” The aged missionary replied, “Next! Anywhere, as long as it is forward!”
Oprah Winfrey says, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
OPPORTUNITIES: I’m reminded of the saying: “Most wouldn’t recognize opportunity even if opportunity hit them upside the head.” Or the old adage: “Opportunity knocked at my door, and I said, ‘Go away! I’m expecting opportunity.’ And opportunity went away.”
THE REALITY: In life – there are so many who DO NOT dare to dream – simply because they are not willing to pay the price for success. They avoid the challenge of accomplishing something great for the kingdom of God.
However, I am convinced that if we are willing to do something great for God only because it is easy and convenient – then I doubt that the Lord is particularly impressed with our service.
King David said he would not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).
THE BOTTOM LINE: That which is worthwhile – WILL COST US SOMETHING!
May we all be willing to dream for better and brighter tomorrows and may we all be willing to pay the price to make it so!!!!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY: To all our mothers. May God’s grace abound in their lives on this special day of remembrance and always.
Blessings,
Fr. Michael+