Some people believe we should do whatever it takes to make our dreams come true.
That perspective makes me tired. Or maybe I am tired and more likely to pursue sleeping dreams than the do-whatever-it-takes kind. While I would give anything for the people in my life, I can’t say the same for my pursuits.
I don’t lack ambition or commitment either. If anything, I am guilty of skepticism for thinking this mentality is part of the happily-ever-after notion of dreams hawked by Hollywood movie makers. But I am not really that cynical. I love people who are passionate about their goals. I admire the tenacity it takes to get to the proverbial there, to arrive, to live the dream. I love an underdog, a comeback story, and an against-the-odds fight.
I am just not sure I want to be one.
Somewhere between the dream and the reality is the cost of pursuit. Whether in commerce or in life, we all have a price we are willing to pay to get what we want. Not all of us are willing to personify Rocky Balboa for the sake of our dreams no matter how much we admire a steely resolve to persevere and a cool moniker like “Italian Stallion.”
I don’t know if Jesus had a dream, yet he paid the ultimate price for our redemption, which from a faith perspective makes the reality of heaven possible for humanity. Dying on the cross is the epitome of doing whatever it takes. The cost was high, but the payoff of having his children with him in heaven was worth it because he loves us. It’s astounding.
Jesus was the consummate underdog ministering to tax collectors, fishermen, and prostitutes only to become the King of Kings. He became the comeback story of all time when he rose from the dead, and the redemption of mankind is undoubtedly the biggest against-the-odds fight in the history of humanity.
I can’t think of anyone more inspiring, more willing to do whatever it takes, than Jesus. And love made it possible. Jesus commanded us to love one another. He didn’t dream it. It’s not a proposition but a passion he placed in our hearts.
Maybe I am lost in the semantics of the word dream, the imagery it conjures of a thousand self-help books selling the idea as the end-all, be-all, the pinnacle, summit, and apex of complete self-actualization. But I just can’t get into it. We are created to love and serve God. That’s not a dream, and in no way is that meant to dash anybody else’s dreams. It’s just a perspective on the proper order of things.
My dreams matter to me, but I am not willing to do whatever it takes to make them happen. I wish a great many things for my own life, for the people I love, and for humanity. I believe in pursuing talents and purpose and living authentically. But only for love am I willing to do whatever it takes. I would rather follow the truth of love than the dare of a dream. The cost is inevitably high, but the reward of heaven is beyond the wildest of dreams.
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true? I think for some people that mentality can be motivating, but for me, it feels like too much pressure on only one aspect of my life. I would love to know your take on it?
Miss last week’s post on letting go?
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I guess I don’t really think in terms of dreams, but goals. A dream, conceptually, may seem unreachable. But a goal may be reached if I take the steps to make it happen. Life is like running a race–if we think of our Life’s Goals, we can reach them if we take baby steps–think of reaching mile one, then mile two, not running the entire marathon! That works for me 🙂
Great perspective, Molly! Dreams are probably more doable approached as a series of small goals. Goals also seem left lofty. We are taught to dream big which is not a bad thing but few of us are going to be president of the U.S., professional athletes, or corporate CEOs (thank God!)