"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead..." Romans 1:20

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Dreams

"When your heart is intent on living your dream, you will gladly let go of everything that is unlike the dream in order to manifest your vision."  Alan Cohen


Cohen tells the story of being deeply moved by a violinist who played a Stradivarius.  In order for her to afford to buy it she sold her house!  Here is some music played on a Stradivarius violin you can listen to while you read the rest of my post:  "The Antonius" played by Eric Grossman

Cohen said, "The breadth of passion, joy, and beauty she brought into the world through playing that violin far exceeded any gifts she might have offered by inviting friends to her house for tea."  His story made me think of my dream to be a mother and what I let go of to fulfill it.  For me it meant letting go of having a career because I knew I didn't want to let someone else raise my children while I was at work.  It meant not going on fancy vacations because we were saving money for a downpayment on a house so our children would have a yard to play in.  It meant giving up my two-seater sports car!  But this is what I got instead:


My first born (that's my sports car in the background we had to sell soon afterwards)

My second born (I gave up sleep for him)
My third born (I gave up my figure for him)
My three sons are like my Stradivarius.  None of the things I gave up felt like sacrifices to me.  Everything that was "unlike my dream" fell to the side because my "heart was intent on living my dream." 


Do you have a dream that feels as though you're not any closer to achieving than when you first dreamed it?  First, check that your heart's desire is in line with God's desire for you.  While that may not always be clear, you can be certain He'll make it clear if your heart is obedient to desiring to do His Will.  If we stand before Him insistent that what we want has to be right, we will not see the clear signs that He has something else for us.  Then you must let anything that doesn't help fulfill your dream fall to the side.  In other words, you can't have (keep) your cake and eat it too!


The interesting thing to me is that now that our sons are grown and on their own, the things I gave up to have them are coming into my life once again.  We have another 2-seater sports car, the time and money to travel if we wish, and if my new dream to become a published author comes true, then I'll have that career I never thought I would have.  The only thing I may never regain, however, is a good night's sleep....something about growing older it seems....


Father, thank You for giving me the desires of my heart.  May I handle them with care.


Link to scripture:  Psalm 37:4

Here is more information on the Stradivarius violin:  Stradivarius Violin

4 comments:

  1. Cathy,

    My name is Terry. I followed the link to your blog from Susan Branch's blog. I love Susan Branch!

    I love your blog post! I am the mother of 23 year old quadruplets. I wanted my children so so so much. I stayed home with them when they were little, but I am a teacher and the perfect part time job came available in their school. So I went back to work 15 years ago. My husband and I have been happily married for 30 years. Now, that my children are adults I am going after my dream. Which is to work from home. I'm not there yet, actually I work full time now. However,I pray each day, and ask God for guidance. Then I spend my day following that guidance. I am thankful God led me to your blog. Good luck with your writing. I loved it!

    Terry

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    1. Quadruplets?!! I'd say you were blessed in a big way! And I'm sure you had to rely on God even closer than most Moms to get through those early days (and nights!). Thank you for your encouragement. I know that my heart's desires will come about when the time is right and I know yours will, too, because you sound like a woman after God's own heart. You are a blessing!

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  2. I too enjoyed reading your blog & also feel that GOD does lead others to you Cathy. You are a blessing to many from the various blogs you post. I do hope that someday you will get your book published and truly believe that if it is in GODs plan for you it will happen!

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Sandy. I believe it, too, even if it doesn't happen until after I'm gone!

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