Do you have a dream? Is it currently on your radar, or has it been buried under responsibilities and reality? Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to various audiences on the subject “Dare to Dream”, and as I shared my own story, it caused me to wonder if maybe YOU have an unfulfilled dream. Because, friend, I am the poster child for “it’s never too late” …
Some say that our truest passions emerge in childhood. Why do you think that is? Could it be that we see the world with an innocent sense of awe and wonder? That we allow ourselves TIME to daydream and play, and drink deeply from the pools of our imagination? I think that’s why I love to write for children today—it’s and fun and free and fanciful.
What brought you to life when you were a child?
For me, it was books and ballet. Born and bred on the south coast of England, I was an absolute bookworm. If I wasn’t dancing, I was probably reading. Little Women has always been my favorite book, possibly as I am one of four girls, and, of course, there’s Jo’s authoring dream… perhaps that particular book stirred my writerly soul. I rather fancied myself as the next Beatrix Potter. But that was in my wild imagination. In reality, for me, being an author was right up there with being an astronaut. I had just as much chance landing on the moon as writing a book.
Therefore, my dream to write was a huge secret. I never divulged this lofty goal to a soul. In fact, I buried it for many years.
For 25 years.
I know. It’s pretty crazy. If nothing else, y’all can rely on me to keep a secret really well! Nothing earth-shattering happened to prevent me from pursuing my passion; it was lack of courage, lots of distraction, and if I’m honest, fear of failure. So I did life— married my high school sweetheart, emigrated from the UK to Canada, had three phenomenal kids, homeschooled, led worship, kept the dream smothered until one particular evening…
“What is your dream?”
That’s the question my husband asked. We were out for coffee, and he was going in for “deep and meaningful” conversation. After much digging (I am rather a wall), I confessed my writing dream—and he was completely gobsmacked; I kept my secret well. But straightaway he encouraged me to go for it. Now. I insisted I was a tad busy (homeschooling our kids, worship director at church, generally running around like a headless chicken) but he said these words to me:
“If you want to do something badly enough, you’ll make the time to do it.”
Did I want it, for real? This is where the rubber meets the road. Maybe this is the question you need to ask yourself—are you willing to put yourself out there, be vulnerable, be brave, be a role model for your kids or your people as you pursue your passion, whatever that looks like?
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6
As a Christian, I believe that God’s timing is always perfect. These have been my special verses since I was a pre-teen, and I think those 25 years when my writing dream was percolating and simmering, God was growing me and teaching me and giving me much to draw from later on, when I finally picked up my pen.
And now I have actual books published! It’s a very long story littered with rejection and jubilation, but I did it. I ignored the voices (mainly in my own head) that said I wasn’t qualified enough, educated enough, experienced enough, young enough. I’m with C.S. Lewis:
“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
There is no age limit on dreaming— isn’t that a sweet relief? The question is, will you leave the dream untapped or will you get your brave on and pick up that pen or passport or microphone or saxophone or whatever your particular thing is? 😉
Cheering you on,
P.S. Want to live out your purpose and passion with wisdom and strength? Join me as we unearth 31 exciting gems from Proverbs 31—a diamond a day for a month—in a fresh devotional that will reassure you of your precious worth: DIAMOND DEVOS 31
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
I love this. I’ve been working on my own dreams lately. How amazing that God’s timing is perfect.
Hey Brittany! I’m so excited that you’ve been working on your dreams—that’s awesome! 😊 And yes, God is good… all of the time! Blessings to you!
Laura–thanks for the encouragement that I’m never too old to pursue a dream! Even though I write, I do feel I haven’t tapped into that dream fully yet. I still need this encouragement! Congrats on pursuing and reaching a dream!
Hi Amy— thanks so much! Yes, I think we should always have a dream to pursue, to stretch us and keep us looking ahead. I hear you with the writing, and I really hope you get to dig into a specific area to realize your dream… 😊 Blessings to you!
Dreams are funny aren’t they? I often refer to myself as a “dreamer “ hubby hates it 😜For years I was “too young” to do what I thought I should and now at 31 I feel “too old” and burdened often times to do anything for myself. I’m a homeschooling mamma to 3 kids and I often feel stretched thin but I know this is where God has called me and He knows best! But I wanted to start a blog. I’m in the the mess of it all and can totally relate. Thank you for encouragement and inspiration to keep dreaming! ~ A fellow dreamer
Hi Misty— thanks so much for sharing. I was totally you, homeschooling 3 kids with no brain-space or energy for dreaming… but yes, it is possible! Trusting God will lead and direct us along the way we should go… and I just took a quick peek at your blog— it’s beautiful! So proud of you. Keep dreaming 😊 Blessings to you!
Love this. We are never to old to dream. I remember in college we read a novel written by an 80 year old woman. Her first. The teacher said, you neve get to old to write. It inspired me then. It inspires me now. Wishing I could think of the author’s name. Ugg. Well, I enjoyed her book. Nope, not to old to dream.
Thanks so much, Theresa. Wow, that sweet author was clearly an inspiration to you… how lovely! Imagine the wealth of life experience behind her written words! Blessings to you!
Thanks for the encouragement Laura! I too have three kids I homeschooled and put my dreams on hold. In the last couple of years, I have started to dream again and make the most of this time I have on earth. I find that my kids encourage me to strive to be a better version of myself. I’m learning to be more vulnerable and brave. I’m proof you can teach an old dog new tricks.
You’re so welcome, Dawn. Sounds like you are getting your brave on— that’s fabulous! 😊 I think it’s encouraging for our kids to see us pursue our passions, too… Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share. Blessings to you!
Loved this Laura. I’ve just begun my writing journey….in my late 60’s. Well actually I’ve been writing sermons and journaling for the past 20 years, so I guess that counts. I started a blog some 18 months ago and that is my first attempt to get my thoughts out there in the public domain. I’ve got ideas running around in my head for a book or two. Thanks for your reminder that we are never too old.
Hi Annette— I’m so excited for you! And yes, writing sermons and journaling for 20 years DEFINITELY counts! 😉 Well done for taking the plunge with a blog— it’s a great way to start sharing your words. Oh, I do hope you get those book ideas solidified, too! Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings to you!
So glad we are never too old to dream. Lovely post and congratulations on pursuing you dream. And double brownie points for your husband supporting your dream! I came over from hopewriters. Sharing this on twitter.
Hi Teresa— thanks very much, it’s always lovely to hear from a fellow hope*writer! And yes, my hubby is my greatest cheerleader, and for that, I am incredibly grateful! 😊 Blessings to you!