Is God a Dream Giver?

I was recently asked, “What’s your dream house look like?”

I quickly responded with, “I don’t dream about houses.”

I wasn’t trying to be rude or a poor conversationalist but it’s true — I don’t think about dream holidays or houses. Having said that, I recently heard a story that touched my heart . . . and it’s about someone’s dream.

Four years ago, I was at a crossroad in my life — whether to quit teaching and pursue writing full time. As I struggled with this decision, I read many books about passion, vision and risk:

Holy Discontent – Fueling the Fire that Ignites Personal Vision, by Bill Hybels

Take the Risk – Learning to Identify, Choose and Live with Acceptable Risk, by Ben Carson

Embracing Your Second Calling – Find Passion and Purpose For the Rest of Your Life, by Dale Hanson Bourke

Chasing Daylight – Seize the Power of Every Moment, by Erwin McManus

Soul Cravings, by Erwin McManus

. . . to name a few.

A friend suggested that I also read The Dream Giver – Following your God-Given Destiny, by Bruce Wilkinson. This modern-day parable tells the story of Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream.

I wasn’t too keen on reading this book because I hadn’t thought of God as a dream giver but the book was short and my friend wanted to discuss the author’s ideas with me — so I read it . . .and liked it.

One night, as my husband and I were getting ready for bed, I summarized the contents of the book and shared all my lofty dreams about becoming an author. Then I turned to him and asked, “What’s your dream, Chris?

I was overwhelmed by his heart-felt response and I journaled about it, long after Chris had fallen asleep.

June 25. 2010 journal entry.

 

 

Chris’ dream was to be a role model for our grandson, Phoenie. He wanted to “be with Phoenie and teach him things.”

Fast forward to April, 2014.

Our daughter texted Chris a few days ago and this is what she wrote.

“Phoenie just told me that you’re his role model because you’re a great man.“

Makes me tear up every time I think about it.

A simple but profound dream fulfilled. 

 

 

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.   Psalm 1.1-3 NIV