Two weeks ago, after a flight cancellation from Guatemala to Florida then a flight delay from Florida to Michigan, I was finally sitting in my airplane seat for that last leg of the trip home. I had been assigned a middle seat between an older gentleman and his son. They were both very friendly and after the typical 'plane seat-mates questions' (where are you flying to/from, etc) they found out that I was a returning missionary from Guatemala. The questions flew my way after that little bit of information, ensuing in a 'long' conversation consisting mostly of the son asking me questions about living in a foreign country because his daughter really, really wants to go on a missions trip to South America.
After participating in the conversation here and there and finding out how many of my goals and hopes have to do with long-term ministry work, the older gentleman stated a friendly observance that has stuck with me ever since.
"You're not a white-picket-fence dream kinda girl are ya."
Such a simple statement, yet so very true. A white picket fence in front of the suburban, community-oriented family's home complete with lush green lawn and space in the back for hosting summer cookouts is a beautiful picture and wonderful dream. It's the beautiful kind of picture that a lot of people long for and the ones who attain those dreams have the ability to influence the lives of their neighbors, community, church family, school friends, and more. It's a the wonderful safe kind of dream where children can grow up in a loving atmosphere with fond childhood memories and a solid foundation that will carry them far in life. It's a beautiful picture and a wonderful dream. But some people have dreams that look a little different.
Anyone who knows me well knows a strong-willed human being who often times makes learning simple life lessons much more complicated than they should be; someone who many times has created trouble for herself and those around her in a way that would be easy to avoid if she would just let go of the need to always be right; someone who was thankfully taken in by Jesus cuz if He wouldn't have, heaven knows what would have happened!
When I was younger, I used to wonder why God 'cursed' me with a strong will and temper that was always and forever getting me into trouble. But as I grow, I learn more and more about how the very attributes that used to cause trouble, when given to God to use for His will and purpose, can be the cause of changed lives and advancement for the His Kingdom. White-picket-fence dreams may be the very dreams God has placed in some people's lives, but it's not what He's placed in mine. Who knows? Maybe one day (yeah, it's very possible my goals will change cuz they have deviated from their planned course before!) a white picket fence is where I'll find myself living out life with every ounce of strong will I possess, but not for now (possibly not for a while - maybe not ever).
In Proverbs 16:9 it says that in his heart a man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. White picket fence or not, I wanna follow the steps God has planned for me and I know, with full confidence, that it will be difficult at times. But it will be worth it. No matter where I go.
You see, it's not about achieving the perfect dream, being the best, or following the crowd. Many of the most influential and inspiring people were the ones who followed that calling on their lives to step out of the norm and live life differently. Missionaries who raised their kids in a thatch-roofed hut, inventors who blew up more things than they built, and a young Carpenter who laid down his right to live life for himself.
A sweet, servant hearted young lady once gave me a wrist-band with Jeremiah 29:11 printed on it. Every time I wear it, I see the words, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
No matter what the dreams, the goals, the vision, the calling may be. No matter what happens or how many times we may find ourselves hanging onto life by our finger-tips. No matter what - those are promises worth hoping for!
After participating in the conversation here and there and finding out how many of my goals and hopes have to do with long-term ministry work, the older gentleman stated a friendly observance that has stuck with me ever since.
"You're not a white-picket-fence dream kinda girl are ya."
Such a simple statement, yet so very true. A white picket fence in front of the suburban, community-oriented family's home complete with lush green lawn and space in the back for hosting summer cookouts is a beautiful picture and wonderful dream. It's the beautiful kind of picture that a lot of people long for and the ones who attain those dreams have the ability to influence the lives of their neighbors, community, church family, school friends, and more. It's a the wonderful safe kind of dream where children can grow up in a loving atmosphere with fond childhood memories and a solid foundation that will carry them far in life. It's a beautiful picture and a wonderful dream. But some people have dreams that look a little different.
Anyone who knows me well knows a strong-willed human being who often times makes learning simple life lessons much more complicated than they should be; someone who many times has created trouble for herself and those around her in a way that would be easy to avoid if she would just let go of the need to always be right; someone who was thankfully taken in by Jesus cuz if He wouldn't have, heaven knows what would have happened!
When I was younger, I used to wonder why God 'cursed' me with a strong will and temper that was always and forever getting me into trouble. But as I grow, I learn more and more about how the very attributes that used to cause trouble, when given to God to use for His will and purpose, can be the cause of changed lives and advancement for the His Kingdom. White-picket-fence dreams may be the very dreams God has placed in some people's lives, but it's not what He's placed in mine. Who knows? Maybe one day (yeah, it's very possible my goals will change cuz they have deviated from their planned course before!) a white picket fence is where I'll find myself living out life with every ounce of strong will I possess, but not for now (possibly not for a while - maybe not ever).
In Proverbs 16:9 it says that in his heart a man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. White picket fence or not, I wanna follow the steps God has planned for me and I know, with full confidence, that it will be difficult at times. But it will be worth it. No matter where I go.
You see, it's not about achieving the perfect dream, being the best, or following the crowd. Many of the most influential and inspiring people were the ones who followed that calling on their lives to step out of the norm and live life differently. Missionaries who raised their kids in a thatch-roofed hut, inventors who blew up more things than they built, and a young Carpenter who laid down his right to live life for himself.
A sweet, servant hearted young lady once gave me a wrist-band with Jeremiah 29:11 printed on it. Every time I wear it, I see the words, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
No matter what the dreams, the goals, the vision, the calling may be. No matter what happens or how many times we may find ourselves hanging onto life by our finger-tips. No matter what - those are promises worth hoping for!
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