Oh the words of Belle. "There must be more than this provincial life!" Don't we all feel that way? Every once in a while we start to think, "Gee is this it?" I used to think I knew where I was going and what I was doing. Now, I look back at all the jobs and roles I've had and laugh. I didn't have a clue. But the words of Belle rang through me from childhood. There had to be more. It couldn't just be a coaching position. It couldn't just be a shop. It can't just be a story. No there is more out there for me. How about you?
Those of us that grew up watching Disney's princess movies found that we could be dreamers. Not just normal dreams, but exquisite, fantastical, outrageous dreams. Dreams like we've never known before. A mermaid on dry land. A bookworm falling in love with a prince. A princess standing up for herself so she can fall in love with the man of her dreams once he uses the magic of a genie. We were taught, that we could be whatever we wanted to be. So we became dreamers. Heck, we came up with dream boards to show us all the things we want in our lives. Then we started to grow up. We realized we aren't always good at the things we dreamed about. (Hey, my kids love my singing.) We became aware of the slim chance of fame and fortune. (I have not gotten to meet Coach K, Will Ferrell, or Justin Timberlake.) So we decided to buckle down and join the workforce. We pursued more reasonable dreams. Teachers, coaches, pharmacists, moms, wives, massage therapists, elderly care takers, and other professions were now the goals on the lists. Some of us have worked hard to find the right job that allows us to be fulfilled knowing that what we do matters in any form of life. However, we still have these dreams. We may not dream of flying on a carpet, but we do dream that there is more to the job. As a trainer, there are times I wish for a large gym to own and operate. I dream to have these videos and plans, maybe even a book or two. But then I think about what I'm actually doing. I work one on one with the people who don't want to go to the big gym. I get the people that need the encouragement, not a video or plan. I work with people that need real time modifications so we can be successful. As a writer, I wait for the day that I sit on a chair across from Ellen, maybe a couch with Bugaboo and Ladybug next to me. I long to see my book in a Barnes & Noble outside of South Carolina. That takes more work. If that were to ever happen it would be seasons of selling at the Farmer's Market. Years of reading to children in school libraries. I will have to market myself and my books like I have never before done. Personally, I loved The Little Mermaid. I still do. The songs are amazing. "Wish I could be, part of your world." So good. I hope y'all get it stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Here's the deal with Ariel. She has a dream. She wants to be human. She's tried her hand at this mermaid thing, but it just isn't for her. But she doesn't just stop at the dream. She actually takes steps to accomplish that dream. Granted she chose some poor ways to accomplish that dream, but she did in fact sacrifice for it. I think that's what holds us back. When we were kids we would dream and it was fine. As we got older we realized that in order to pursue those dreams we would have to work and sacrifice. And if we don't have natural talent, skill, and ability, we must work and sacrifice all the more. It's tough. What are we willing to give up, to make the dreams come true. Right now my mind goes to my "little" cousin Jo. She and her husband have made the choice to move to China to work with children. She is a physical therapist and he's a youth pastor (I may be off on this). They gave up their lives. The comfort of their home, the short distance to family, their friends, church, and careers. Their dream? To serve in the name of Christ where He is unknown. To be Jesus to kids that know nothing of Him. They will be his hands and feet as Stephen works as the overseer and Jo will work hands on with the kids that need physical help. The dream to serve meant a huge sacrifice, but they will receive a greater reward. They wanted more from life. I want more from life. Don't you?
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May 2023
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