A Different Kind Of Dream For 2018

a different kind of dream for 2018

by karen porter

WWW.KARENPORTER.COM

ONE DAY, MY CLOSEST FRIENDS AND I EACHANSWERED THIS QUESTION: “IF MONEY, TIMEOR CIRCUMSTANCES WERE NOT AN ISSUE, WHATWOULD YOUR DREAM JOB BE?”

The answers were fun and varied as we dreamed aloud. One wanted to travel the world, and one wanted to be a Food Network star. One wanted to hike a high mountain peak; another, write a book, and another, run in the Olympics. And then one of our friends surprised us. She said, “I would stay home and cook, sew, create beautiful décor in my home and take care of my family.” We were a little shocked at these words coming from an accomplished, successful businesswoman. But she was sincere and saw making a wonderful home by using her many skills and creativity and style as her ultimate dream.

I’ve thought about that conversation and those various dreams many times and asked myself some questions. Why haven’t I pursued my dream? What is holding

me back? And am I dreaming a dream from my heart or because the dream is expected of me?

Some of us chase dreams only to find emptiness. Author Crystal McDowell says, “Dream chasing is only relevant if it’s rooted in God’s calling on your life.” Jesus said:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:33, ESV —

Our problem may be that we are so busy chasing our dreams that we aren’t pursuing God. God says that if we will go after him, He will make our dreams come true.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. — Psalm 37:4, ESV —

So, I want to suggest to you in this year’s first column that we chase a different kind of dream for 2018.

Let’s start with a list of absolutes.

1. Jesus loves you. When you and I were unlovable, He loved us.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved. — Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV —

2. God called you. He has a plan for your life that is good and wonderful.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10, ESV —

3. God gives you the tools and skills you need.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. —1 Peter 4:10-11, NIV —

There are a few steps you and I can take to dream God’s dream for us in 2018.

First: Begin to live your life in the moment because big events don’t make precious memories; moments do. The first time you hold a new baby. That conversation with your neighbor that leads to spiritual awareness. Those sweet words of affirmation from a friend. Life is about the moments, but how many times do we speed by with our agendas and plans? Slow down.

Second. Determine and live your beliefs. What are your fall-on-your-sword values? Make a list of at least three principles or viewpoints you will not compromise. My list is (1) family before work, (2) faith in God Almighty, and (3) fun.

Third. Determine that 2018 will be your year to evaluate yourself regularly. At the end of each month and as I look back on the month’s calendar of activities, I will make a spiritual assessment. I will ask myself several questions about how I behaved. Was I humble? Did I act with integrity? Did I tell the truth? Was I loyal? Did I have patience? Did I pursue God? If you’d like a copy of my spiritual assessment, email me at kaeporter@gmail.com and I’ll send you the complete list.

As you lead in 2018, don’t forget to dream God’s dream for you!