Dreamer or Dream Killer?

8.13.11

This past Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Global Leadership Summit, a 2-day event with many different pastors and business people all speaking on the topic of leadership.  When I wasn't running around preparing food or working the bookstore, I got to sit in and hear several of the messages.  They were not only inspiring, but challenging.  Most of the speakers challenged you to do something - to act. I remember one individual saying "You can't do something about everything, but you can do something about SOME THINGS."

Think about a dream you have had sometime in your life. Maybe it's a small dream or a short term goal, or maybe it's a huge dream that would require years of work and you may not even know where to start to see it come true.  If you have told anyone about your dream, you have probably gotten an opinion or response from that person - possibly even a negative response.

Until Friday, I would have told you I was probably the one to give the negative response.  I didn't see it as being negative, I saw it as being practical and realistic.  My husband is the dreamer in the family. He always has a big idea or dream about the future. And I was always the one to "pull him back to reality" and tell him why he wouldn't be able to pull it off. Basically I was the dream killer, that was, until Friday.

On Friday, I had a change in perspective.  On Friday I was listening to one of the speakers and just so happened to be sitting next to a good friend that is aware of my big dream to adopt internationally and be a mother some day. As the speaker was closing, this friend leaned over  and told me some words I'll never forget - "God's going to give you the desires of your heart. God is faithful, and he's going to bless you."  It was those encouraging words that told me I had love and support and I wasn't alone. That encouragement made me want to take the next step right then and there because I knew I had someone by my side. When you're supported, you're more likely to  ACT to achieve your goal.  The support can't be one sided - it can't be an "only if you succeed" support. It has to be an "I'll be here for you if you fail" support also.

So are you a dreamer, or a dream killer? If you're the 2nd, I challenge you to change your way of thinking. You're not helping anyone by "pulling them back down to Earth" (and I'm totally speaking to myself here also!) You may be stopping them from taking the next step to reaching their dream.