DREAMS
I’ve had some dreams in my life… Some good, some not so much. I’m fascinated with the human brain and the overall makeup that allows humans to imagine, reason, and create.
I don’t know of one human that after accomplishing something, whether significant or simple, hasn’t felt some sense of gratification. The dreams of humans have made significant changes in our world, some good, some bad.
Dreams rarely seem to take into consideration the rough spots in the road leading to that fulfillment of our dreams. I suppose there would be little to no gratification or sense of accomplishment without some obstacles to overcome along the way.
Some dreams happen when we’re asleep – subconsciously, or God-given visions, other dreams happen consciously with our eyes wide open seeing the opportunity or need. The reason or purpose behind our dreams or inspirations speak volumes about who we are and where we’re at in our life.
My wife and I were sitting in a bookstore a while back drinking coffee. Across from our table was the “Inspiration” section of the store, at the end of the isle facing us were some of the bestsellers. There was a book by a peculiar looking guy with wild hair and glasses sitting in a simple chair flanked by metal middle eastern statues of guard dogs. His legs were crossed, the side of his right ankle sitting on top of his left thigh, he had a tan business suit on with an orange tie and orange socks.
The subtitle of his book was “Billionaire So and So Tells You,” (I forgot his name and had never heard of him before) then the title of the book in bold letters right above and below his picture. “HOW TO GET RICH.”
I read some of those types of books when I was younger. It’s been my experience in life that if it’s a person’s main goal or dream in life to be rich then that person is living a shallow sad unfulfilled life.
However, if a person pursues a specific dream or goal with passion for the fulfillment of that dream when it has benefits, not just for that person, but others as well, they will find a life of purpose and true fulfillment.
Interestingly enough, it’s also been my observation that the people who live their lives with passion and purpose with a proper moral perspective have enough financial means and some even get rich.
I’m left in awe and inspiration by some people who lived their lives and in some cases actually gave up their own life trying to fulfill their dreams or goals.
Mother Theresa comes to mind and how she gave up a life of comfort to care for people less privileged than herself. I’m also mindful of Martin Luther King Jr. and his life of sacrifice for what he believed God called him for. In a world of hate, he consistently spoke of the need for forgiveness, this for the people who hated him.
I consider George Washington along with all of our forefathers who risked their lives and wealth to form a nation with the goal of religious freedom, no royal class and equal rights for all men.
I think about all the people who sacrificed their lives in order to protect yours and mine, I’m emotionally moved by their dreams to protect, serve, and sacrifice for the benefit of us.
I believe it’s good to dream and have goals, I also believe the process of striving for the good dreams and goals gratifies our nature regardless of the ultimate outcome in most cases.
God’s in the business of dreams, He’s calling His chosen to dream like children and set about to make those dreams reality with the wisdom we’ve gained along the way.
I’ve had some dreams in my life…I still do…
How bout’ you?
nancy wheeler
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 12:20 am
Floyd, not surprisingly so, how inspirational your writing is! I have always admired Mother Theresa and she is a hero of mine, too. Speaking of heroes, I know what you have meant to so many of these young girls that you have coached, not only in lacrosse, but in LIFE and morals. Lauren respects you as a hero and your input in her life has meant so much to both her and to me. I cannot even begin to tell you how much she admires and respects you and how blessed we feel that you have been in her life. I hope that you feel the wealth from the richness you have added to so many other people by giving of yourself and your time. God bless you and your family.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 7:03 am
Nancy I’m honored and humbled by your kind words. In truth to say the pleasure is all mine seems a cliche, but it in fact a reality. God has used all the girls like Lauren and even their parents like you to make my life a better more worthwhile life. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and being so openly gracious with your pride and joy. There is not a greater honor in this life. God bless you and yours as well.
Tammy
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 7:56 am
Oh, yes–yes I do have dreams. I believe God has given them to me, too.
I used to think that a life lived for God would be boring. That’s what the devil will tell you. But I know better now. I am living this life for Him, and it is EXCITING!
Floyd
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 9:25 am
I love the passion Tammy, it is reflected in your writing! Thanks for bringin’ it!
April
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 12:32 pm
It is so true that if your only goal is to get rich then you most likely won’t…just being real…very few people who only want to get rich do. Dreams should be lived to serve a purpose and to serve others. I’ve had a great many dreams in my lifetime (still do) but only when I am in God’s will, will I be able to follow some of them. The others, if not in God’s will, are only leading to folly anyway, so they don’t matter.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
A-men April, if it’s not God’s will it is just “chasing the wind.” You know I’ve done that a few times in my life…
patty
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 2:32 pm
I have had a lot of dreams too. some were like a warning sign to me .Dreamed of my sister one time that she was sick . got a call she was very sick and in hospital .I beleave that some dreams come to you for a reason. good one Floyed
Floyd
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 5:46 pm
Thanks Patty, my sister is like that too. Some people have a gift that way, I’m not one of them…
Bt
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 8:42 pm
Dreams, goals, passions, accomplishments, gratifications and inspirations … why do some (people) have more than others? Is it GOD’s will/plan that some (people) are more reaching than others or is it a perons’s life journey that comprises the level that one desires to achieve?
I played golf last week in The Wounded Warriors Event. (A fund raiser for soilders hurt in battle). The young man I played with was 23 years old and had lost his right arm during his 2nd tour in the Middle East. The inspiration that I recieved from listenting to his new dreams and passions was overwhelming.
Each day we are provided with a myraid of opportunities that can allow us to transform us into the the next best person we can be. If you want it bad enough, dream the dream and make it happen.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 10:10 pm
That young man is a true real life hero. Nothing that we see on TV can relate what you got to witness first hand. May God be with him in his dreams, desire, passion, and perseverance… The best dreams are the ones that don’t cooperate. They need to be wrestled with and fought with until delivered into submission…
Pat
Thursday, March 24, 2011 @ 11:32 am
As a young person, my only dream was to be a mother; I never dreamed of being a wife, just a mother (hmm?). There was a time in my life when I dreamed of having a two-story house FULL of children – I’m so glad I recognized that was a nightmare instead of a dream before it was too late ;-D
I did get an education, worked as a nurse for several years, and had 4 children; however, my dream of being a mom was always foremost in my mind. I thank God that He allowed me the opportunity to be at home the majority of the time while my children were growing up.
April is right. We are promised that whatever we ask, as long as it lines up with God’s will for our lives, will be done.
I, too, am humbled and most grateful for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for us, here and abroad. I am horrified however, at the way some of them are forced to live in poverty – BUT that’s another blog…
Floyd
Thursday, March 24, 2011 @ 8:06 pm
I can’t wait to read that blog… God is good, sometimes we let ourselves get in the way… Thanks for sharing Pat, it always warms my soul.
brad gore
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 11:11 am
thx Floyd, I really get so much from your writing. You truly gifted. And Rich!
Floyd
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 12:54 pm
Thanks Brad, it’s nice to hear from you again. Hope all is well with you and the family…