And the Winner Is…
In our home, we are big fans of American Idol. It’s been fun watching the seasons and contestants grow and evolve. Perhaps you enjoy other competitive shows like The Voice. Either way, there are hopeful men and women fighting for and embracing their dreams.
What does it look like to dream?
I’m convinced that you are never too young or too old to dream. I am not naive to reality, and I completely understand that you have to put down roots and build a life for yourself, all while taking care of responsibilities.
As I grow and learn along my journey, I’m beginning to live with a sense of confidence I never knew I had. Keeping my head held high no matter the situation. Being proud of all that I have and am working to accomplish. A sense of confidence in contentment.
I never thought I would be an author or writer. But as I sit here embracing words, I am beginning to see that dreaming has led me to a gift. That gift is a sense of contentment in all things.
Just because I’m striving for contentment doesn’t mean I am immune to reality. I’m very much aware of life - including good and bad. There is no perfect life. The shift has been in my mind.
The shift is that I don’t have to be perfect, but rather just myself. To embrace the gifts God has given me and to be willing to share them with others. I’m not trying to be like others, but to embrace a life for myself.
It says a lot to feel proud of yourself. You don’t have to be the most popular, hold the highest-paid position in the company, or have an endless number of talents. You can dream at any age, and I have no doubt that God can use you in unique ways today, whether you are eighteen or eighty.
So what dreams do you have? In what ways can you take what you are good at and impact a community of people around you? We truly can accomplish big things with God in our focus. He will not let us down. We are all winners.
Philippians 4:12-13, CSB
I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
