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When the Path Isn’t What You Expected

September 5, 2016 By Kristin Smith 6 Comments

Bridge GSD

In June, our family vacationed in northern Wisconsin for a week. It was beautiful country, and we enjoyed a couple of fun hikes on one of the days we were out. Well, maybe “fun” is a relative term. In the beginning I was excited about the prospect of seeing the waterfall that was supposed to be only a short walk away. I would say I am fairly active, but once we started down the seemingly easy path, the road got a little rocky.

I could feel my spirit starting to grumble.

It wasn’t supposed to be a difficult hike, I really didn’t want to have to work hard to get to the destination. So much for enjoying the journey huh?!

Then I came across this sign as we headed down the steepest part of the path.

Hike GSD

I am a person who often gives up when things get too hard and I considered it for a brief moment, but then decided the allure of the waterfall was enough to keep me going.

I kept along the path, my boys far ahead of me, and I thought about how much this path was like my dreaming journey.

When I started to uncover what I thought my God-sized Dream was, I believed that because I was excited and ambitious to move ahead, the road would be smooth sailing. I walked along seeing the beauty all around me and I felt joy at the discovery of God’s plans for me.

Journey

It is easy to be grateful and full of joy when things seem to go your way, isn’t it? I have always said that one of my biggest struggles is trusting God and finding happiness when life gets tough.

Because if you have been on this dreaming journey for any length of time, you have likely run into some unfavorable territory.

Maybe it is a roadblock, or a complete capsize of your dream. Maybe it is a closed door or even a no, not now. The longer I have been a part of this team, and read your beautiful stories, the more I am convinced that we are going to face disappointment and hardship at some point.

Uphill climb

We will face an uphill climb; the journey will be less desirable than we had hoped. But that doesn’t mean we should give up and turn around! Some of my biggest regrets are those times that I gave up too soon. I wasn’t willing to stick out the hard to find the beauty that was around the corner. Or, I grumbled my way through it all and failed to stop and see that there are blessings along the way.

Throughout my time here, I have been so overwhelmed at the detailed way my God loves me.

When I started this journey I hoped for a platform (yes, ashamedly it’s true) and maybe a book deal. I thought I knew what God had in store for me and was a little shocked when things didn’t go as expected.

But God knew what my heart really needed. And it was you.

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Because of you, my sweet dreamer sisters, I have found encouragement, prayer, cheers and laughter.

I have walked through dark times and known, without a doubt, that you were praying me through. I have made life-long friendships that I wasn’t aware I so desperately needed. I gained confidence in who I am in Christ, book deal or no.

My road hasn’t been as I anticipated when I started, but the beauty that has unfolded along the way is unforgettable.

Waterfall GSD

And if I could do it all over again? Well I know it sounds a bit cliche, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thank you for being a part of my story. I consider you each a gift and am praying that wherever you find yourself on the journey today, you will know without a doubt that you are not alone!

 

Shared by: Kristin Smith

 

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Filed Under: Living Your Dream

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Kristin Smith

About Kristin Smith

Kristin Anne Smith is a wife and mother, but most importantly, a daughter of the King—redeemed by His grace and so grateful. A woman who has struggled with fear and the lie of “not being good enough” for most of her life, Kristin has started to find freedom in the transforming work that only Jesus, prayer and a good Christian counselor can offer! She is a lover of words as a means to process life, and shares stories of her own faith journey to encourage others to seek and trust in God. Kristin blogs at The Riches of His Love and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Comments

  1. AvatarJennifer Waddle says

    September 5, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Kristin, thank you so much for this authentic and beautiful post. I was completely able to relate to your hopes of a “platform and book deal.” As an author and speaker, I’ve had to battle the pull of notoriety with the truth that I am known by the only One who matters. God bless your ministry!

    Sincerely,
    Jennifer
    http://www.jenniferwaddleonline.com

    Reply
    • Avatarkasmith03 says

      September 5, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      Thank you Jennifer for your sweet words. Grateful to know I am not alone!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. AvatarMaria says

    September 5, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    And you, my dear friend and fellow God-sized dreamer are a beautiful, precious, inspirational gift to us! Thank you for the present treasure of your words and sharing your journey with us!

    Reply
    • Avatarkasmith03 says

      September 5, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      Dear friend you bless me so!! Hugs to you!

      Reply
  3. AvatarDelonna Gibbs says

    September 5, 2016 at 11:34 pm

    Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.

    Reply
  4. mbethanymbethany says

    September 6, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Beautiful! I’ve been on that kind of hike before literally and life-wise. You are so correct. So grateful the Lord knows the path and walks with us, too!

    Reply

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