May the Lord, bless you and keep you,
the Lord make His face shine on you;
the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
If I had to tell you what I need more of in my life, it would be courage and grace. More courage to take that leap of faith with my eyes open (instead of squinted shut like a scared little child) and to dream in spite of the humongous possibility of failure.
I need grace for those times of failure, when I want to beat myself up instead of starting over…again.
For awhile, dreaming with other like-minded dreamers began to feel like a curse because it seemed that we all had similar dreams…and they all included writing. But as I read Holley’s book, I came to realize that “even if someone else’s dream looks, sounds, or even feels like yours, it’s not the same.”
Comparison nipped at my heels, and I began to wonder, Why in the world would God give everyone the same dream?
He didn’t, of course.
And as I looked closer, I realized that while each of us on this God-sized Dream team may want to write, God has laid different plans on each of our hearts and lives. Some are writing about their adoption journeys, some are working through painful pasts, some share through photography…etc.
Though our dreams felt the same initially, the details were different because we each lead very distinct lives and have our own unique experiences.
Comparison and insecurity are funny feelings. I have to remind myself that God’s kingdom is big enough for all of us, and being secure in that and knowing that I have a place in His plan is so reassuring. This alone gives me the confidence to keep going.
Personally, in my own life, writing has taken a temporary back seat. I decided in the spring to look for full-time work and began scouring the Internet for something that piqued my interest. I landed on Real Estate.
I took several months to think about it, pray about it, talk about it, and finally went for it.
I signed up for the online course, and for two months I studied and prayed that I would be smart enough to pass. One final and state exam later (passed on first try!) I am now a Real Estate agent. I spend my days getting mentored and learning all that I can so that soon I can confidently list and sell on my own.
Have I been scared? ABSOLUTELY. However, God has given me courage on the days I’ve wanted to quit. And the grace to cut myself some slack when I feel overwhelmed.
What about you? What do you need more of (or less) to help you with your dreams?
Shared by: Alecia Simersky
Michele Morin says
November 14, 2016 at 7:00 amWow, Alecia! I admire your courage in taking on a whole new field — and putting your writing aside. Both big decisions. My youngest son has been in the high school musical production of Cinderella for the past two weekends, and so “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” floated its way to the surface while I was reading your words about our dreams. So thankful that God knows the contents of our hearts even better than we do!
Alecia Simersky says
November 14, 2016 at 6:02 pmThank you, Michele. Change always makes me weary, and I’m doing a lot of trusting God with the future and the details. “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,”is beautiful. Love it!
Joanne Viola (@JViola79) says
November 14, 2016 at 9:09 amI am grateful to have read your words this morning, Alecia. Dreams can take different directions at varied seasons in our lives. I am coming to realize that each dream ultimately takes us a step closer to who God intended us to be. Each dream plays its part in the molding of our lives to the glory and honor of our God. I so appreciated this post today. Thank you!
Alecia Simersky says
November 14, 2016 at 6:05 pmDreaming is like weaving your way through a maze. Once you think you know what to do, you are forced to change directions. Such is life, I suppose. Some dreams take longer to realize than others, my hope is in the dream-giver, thankfully, and not the dream. Thanks for being here, Joanne.
Valerie Sisco at Grace with Silk says
November 14, 2016 at 4:45 pmAlecia,
I’ve missed your words lately so I was delighted to see an update from you here! I’m so glad this new journey along the real estate route has been an adventure worth taking. I applaud your risk-taking and waiting to find the new direction to move forward in, even when you weren’t sure. I think you do have a great deal of courage and grace and I’m cheering you on!
Alecia Simersky says
November 14, 2016 at 6:07 pmThank you, Valerie. Courage is something I work on daily along with grace- I’m learning and taking it one day at a time. Good to see you, Valerie. It’s been too long. Hope you are well.
Dionne Barber says
November 15, 2016 at 9:26 amA google search led me to this post. I didnt know exactly what to type in the search box but “God sized dreams” & what you’ve said truly captured how i was feeling. I’m so glad i found it. Thank you for your honesty & encouraging words. God bless you. Xo
Alecia Simersky says
November 15, 2016 at 3:24 pmHi Dionne! I’m so glad you found your way to our site. I’m so glad you found our posts encouraging. If we can ever pray for you, let us know!