As we walked down the overgrown path, batting at flies and trying to keep our kids in tow, my friend told me about a book she was reading, The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson. She piqued my interest with her summation and we spent the rest of the walk identifying the dreams of other people we know.
I am a dreamer. I dream big dreams and delight in helping others take the next steps in their God-given purposes and passions, so, naturally, I asked my friend what her dream was.
“I’m not sure,” she replied.
Years have passed since that conversation but I think she would still answer in the same way.
My friend lives a simple life, yet, as she does seemingly ordinary things, like laundry, listening, and loving those around her, I think she is making a world of difference—at least she is for this dreamer.
Her prayers, her timely words, and her listening ear have been wind that my sails needed so that I don’t remain stagnant or abandon ship altogether.
My brother is an example of someone who lives a “small” life in the world’s eyes. He has Down Syndrome and his dreams of marriage, having children, and playing football for Notre Dame remain unfulfilled, yet he lives life large as he quietly goes about his daily business. He brings us joy by offering an arm around the shoulder on a hard day, selecting the perfect birthday card to lift spirits, and making us laugh as he piles clothes (and sometimes undies) atop his head for comedic relief.
My brother’s simple life makes a big difference to those around him.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Several years ago I watched a televised event in which a well-known talk show host received gushing accolades as she retired from her current position. There were speeches, glitz, and lots of gratitude poured out as this woman was elevated higher than the dome’s arched ceiling.
As I watched this celebration unfold, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, she is sure getting praised, almost worshiped, from the masses for her successes.”
And I wonder if we have it all wrong?
Maybe at the end of this voyage, God is going to throw the confetti all over the ones who faithfully lived out their small and ordinary lives, like my friend and my brother. Their dreams may not have changed the world, but they affected one life at a time, steadily and humbly; and that made all the difference.
We often receive earthly praise for pursuing big dreams, but being faithful with the small things is often harder, and I think, even more important in the end.
The hard work of being a loyal friend, a devoted spouse, an attentive parent or a trustworthy co-worker doesn’t always feel like we are living a dream; it can sometimes feel like a nightmare as we struggle to stay on course. However, as we follow God’s path, we are leaving a light trail that points straight to Him.
Don’t get me wrong, I love it when people dream big. But don’t stress if your dream feels small and ordinary or if you don’t even know what your God-sized dream is.
If we make much of Jesus and love Him with all we have, we are living a fulfilling life that can impact eternity; and that is something big and extraordinary.
It isn’t the size of your dream that matters in the end, what matters it that you faithfully followed His course. I think one day we will be surprised by the greatness that was found in these ordinary days.
When your dream feels small or ordinary it just might be the fertile ground needed to make much of the Dream Giver. (<====Click to Tweet)
Shared By: Katie Reid
Sabra Penley says
April 20, 2015 at 8:52 amKatie, your words today are an affirmation of what God has been speaking to my heart. I have been so unsettled in my pursuit of following God’s call to write and what that looks like in my life. All the writing gurus are shouting to build my platform, increase blog traffic, and get my name out there. But my heart tells me God has other plans for me. Write? Yes. But according to God’s design…not according to the “experts.” I’ve not read The Dream Giver, but I did finish another book–Ordinary by Michael Horton. And it opened my eyes to so much about this call God has given me. I don’t have to make a name for myself or grow my platform or do whatever it takes to increase blog traffic. I just need to be faithful to write–whatever God lays on my heart and to share it however He leads. My God-sized dream? He is giving me this one desire–to make Him smile each day and bless others in the process. One day at a time…one step at a time. Holding His guiding hand all the way.
Katie says
April 20, 2015 at 9:00 amAmen Sabra. Thank you for your wise insight and sweet encouragement to be faithful as we follow Him. Our gait may look different from that of our fellow travelers but as we stay true to His Word we live at peace in His will.
graceglimmers says
April 20, 2015 at 9:01 amKatie…thank you. As a part of the GSD launch team and as a blogger. I feel like the small ordinary dreamer…confetti from God for those who humbly do what we do…is a beautiful image! Party in heaven for those on earth!! 🙂 jenn cook
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 2:01 pmThank you Jenn. Keep walking the path that He has set before you. It matters. You matter.
Alecia Simersky says
April 20, 2015 at 10:52 amThank you so much for these God-confirming words this morning. I’ve been struggling with direction and wanting to know how the ending is going to look like so I’ll know if writing is worth my time and efforts. God reminded me with your words and in my prayer time that’s He’s always been faithful and good and it doesnt’ matter what the end result is. It’s about the day to day that matters. This is so easy for me to forget.
I’m glad you are here! What a blessing you are!
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 2:03 pmThank you Alecia for the great reminder to be faithful with each day and trust Jesus with the end results.
Kim Jacobs Raley says
April 20, 2015 at 11:21 amThank you. Finally…an article for those of us who have wondered what is wrong with us because we don’t have big “God-sized” dreams… As a stay at home wife with grown children, I’ve struggled with what to do with my time now, wondering if I should be doing something more grand. But loving my family, (especially those precious little grand babies!), being available for my children and their families, caring for my home and husband, and being faithful in the ministries God has given me may be enough right now. Small and ordinary life describes me right now, and that is okay. I can be content with small and ordinary. 🙂
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 2:06 pmNothing small about those dreams Kim- noble and worthwhile though!
Tiffany Parry says
April 20, 2015 at 11:25 amSuch beautiful words, Katie. I know that in the pursuit of my own dreams I can often take my eyes off of God and firmly plant them on myself…what I can or can’t do, where I feel I’m failing or lacking. But God has been encouraging me that rather than wait for that sweeping sign to move forward, I need to move, then watch for His direction and leading, trusting that He goes before me and I can praise Him in each step. Thank you for confirming that He is there in all of it-big, small, and in between!
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 2:09 pmHi Tiffany! May we follow His stride as it quickens or slows or remains steady. May we follow His pace for each of us.
dawnklinge says
April 20, 2015 at 3:28 pmKatie- this is beautiful and encouraging. So many people need to know this. It’s about our faithfulness in what God places in front of us. I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing,
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 7:32 pmYou are most welcome Dawn. So often I miss the extraordinary right in from of me, because it feels small. Small is the new big.:)
Kristin Hill Taylor says
April 20, 2015 at 5:31 pmThis is packed with truth! So glad to read your encouraged today, Katie! I have a post up at circlesoffaith.org today about seasons. And I talk about how I’m in a ordinary season, but how I know God has me where he wants me. I’m so glad you’re part of the GSD writing team! xoxo
Katie M. Reid (@Katie_M_Reid) says
April 20, 2015 at 7:07 pmThank you Kristin! Headed over to read your post now.
Dolly@Soulstops says
April 21, 2015 at 1:24 pmKatie,
Great wisdom! Thank you!
KatieReid says
April 24, 2015 at 10:46 pmHi Dolly! I enjoyed your post too.
kortneystanis says
April 21, 2015 at 5:04 pmBeautiful and encouraging Katie. You are right…living out the small areas faithfully in our lives is so much harder than the “bigger” dreams.
KatieReid says
April 24, 2015 at 10:47 pmI agree Kortney, living out the small can be harder. There is often less glamor and appreciation but thankfully the small does not go unnoticed in His eyes.:)
kristine says
April 23, 2015 at 6:37 amKatie, the Dream Giver is one of my all time favorite books. It’s one of those that I think we should read over and over as we continue to grow as Christ-followers. You are so right, too. Lord, help us to see the dreams right in front of us in our simple, everyday lives! Thank you for this today:)
KatieReid says
April 24, 2015 at 10:48 pmHi Kristine- You are most welcome. I need to go back and read it again- I so enjoyed it the first time through.:)
Meredith Bernard says
April 24, 2015 at 10:02 pmI hate I missed this when it posted this week, Katie. But I needed these words today. Such truth here. I feel very certain that the “small and ordinary” are exactly what God uses to accomplish “big and mighty”…especially in the life of a mother pouring into her children or someone without a big “audience” as the world would put it. I just believe God’s economy is so much bigger — so much wider, deeper and greater — than ours. xo
KatieReid says
April 24, 2015 at 10:50 pmThank you friend. I need to be reminded of this often- until the thoughts meet action more regularly…to be faithful with what’s before me and not discontent with what is not.