I frequently tell my kids “Whatever you spend the most time doing, that’s what you’ll be the best at. Life rewards self-discipline.” I quote Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers who said “Today, I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t”. The kids are probably tired of hearing it. What about us adults; what are we the best at? The sociological model most of us were raised in (either by parents or TV) has taught us to want something and to work to get it. We spend most of our time doing that, and we’re good at it. That’s productive and fine, but what if we were built, wired, created to do or be more? What if, inside of us, we have dreams of who we would like to become or of what we would like to accomplish?

Do you have a dream? Are you getting closer to realizing that dream? Do I? Am I? Absolutely! I’m just sitting here listening to The Talking Heads song “Road to Nowhere”. In the official video, David Byrne is running much of the time, but not really going anywhere while all sorts of things are happening around him. Life can be like that. We work long hours to fund our lives, leaving little time or energy to get closer to our dreams. We might like our jobs. Most of the bills get paid. We might even have some pretty cool stuff. However, for many, the dreams are still there, muted, without shape, just beyond one’s each.

People ask why I bother pursuing my dream of working in the arts with my writing, music, photography, etc., as if I’m somehow being foolish. My response? Katherine Paterson, author of “The Invisible Child” is quoted as saying “A dream without a plan is just a wish”. My plan is to find my next profession by reuniting with what I was created to do, and loved doing, before I “grew up” and got “a job”.

If you’re asking “Why worry about dreams?” you might not have goals to accomplish or dreams to fulfill, and that’s OK – even normal for many people. Most people just go to work. They don’t have a concept of what a “dream job” is. They regard dreams as distractions that call to them from the edges of their current realities. Some people can ignore those dreams calling to them; others cannot. Joe Montana said “Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart and expect it to come true. There is. I believe, no other way to live.” For those of you who are having trouble ignoring the call of your dreams, welcome to the club; this article’s for you.

Sainted Pope John XXIII said “Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” Ask God to help you hear and see the dreams He gave you, and then move in the direction from which those dreams are calling. As they get louder and begin to take shape, you’ll know you’re getting closer.

© 2014 Curt Savage Media

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