I never imagined a lot of things growing up. It wasn’t as if I didn’t dream; I dreamt big dreams, full of hope and success, relationships and power. I read about people who got to the top and I saw my face in that crowd. I often couldn’t believe that I would ever get there, but I knew regardless of the outcome that I would always have my dreams.
Somewhere I lost the dreams. Pressures of making it in this world, the harsh reality of mornings before night had taken its course, and shattered milestones all took their toll. How could I dare to dream given what I knew about others and more importantly the self I knew as “me”? What possible value could I bring to the table of life? Who really cared? I listened to others and longed for the hope they expressed. The irony of their pessimistic behavior wasn’t lost; yet the fact that they talked and breathed about the potential of life just beyond the present kept drawing me back.
When I look back from something close to five decades I wonder why I chose to limit my childhood dreams. Everything then was possible! Everything I saw could have been true! There were no limitations. Not everything has come my way; it seems that difficult choices always come with a scene that surrounds them. As I look into the future I wonder about the question that always remained unasked. Can I imagine the possible?
I read about a scene where “smoke billowed up from the incense-laced prayers of the holy ones, rose before God from the hand of the Angel” (Revelation 8.3) and I wonder, is it possible? Do my prayers rise as new incense before God? Is this the God that professes to love you and me unconditionally and without end? What can happen if I pause and dwell with God? Imagine.
Everywhere I look people are searching to experience God. I know a God that is reaching out, touching you just where you most need relationship and healing. Just imagine…
