Hey Everyone,
Do you ever feel like some of the things you want to try for are better off left in the World of Fantasy rather than the Truth of Reality? Are you ever in love with an IDEA more than finding out what it could actually become? Does fear keep you from trying or reaching out, only to have you ever longing for what seems like a dream?
Here are some examples:
1. You dream of asking out/hinting that you like that really sweet, funny, faithful girl or guy at church or school or maybe even here on CC... but you're afraid of rejection. And so, you just live with the dream of "what could have been" instead of taking the risk. (I know that feeling. As I posted in the "crushes" thread, I had crushes on two former users--at completely different times--but neither felt the same towards me. I am much more reserved now... and cautious.) I also realize that even if two people do like each other, various circumstances, such as long distances (which work for some but not for others) may pose problems that can't be worked out.
But still. Do you sometimes like the IDEA that you and so-and-so could have been an item rather than finding out what so-and-so really thinks? Would you rather just leave it as an open possibility, even if it's only a dream, rather than risk having the door slammed in your face?
2. You dream of pursuing/taking that dream job/starting a business, but you're afraid of failing. Do you sometimes feel like it's better to hang on to the dream of "What Could Have Been" rather than risking all and going for it? Maybe you have images of becoming a CEO of your own company... but for whatever reason, you never actually go after that dream. Do you comfort yourself with thoughts of "where your life could have gone" and "what it could have been", because if you at least don't try, you also don't have to face failure?
3. You dream of adopting a child or adding another baby to your family... but due to money issues, marital conflicts you are afraid to talk to your spouse about, a job that eats up all your time... You are never able to see what could have been if your family had been expanded. Do you still dream about what you believe could have been if you were able to expand your family?
Any and all experiences and thoughts are welcome--please don't feel limited to these examples. Some other examples could be confronting a bully or domineering relative, choosing to go on a missionary trip, volunteering for something that scares you, etc.
I know someone is going to bring up 2 Timothy 1:7 that says God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
But there is also such a thing as common sense. And I am certainly not recommending that anyone take risks that will bring harm to them or their family. For example, if a man dreams about starting a business and he has a wife, 2 toddlers, a mortgage and two cars to pay off, and nothing to start the business with (meaning another big loan), it might not be the best time or idea, seeing as 90% of new start-up businesses fail. (Don't hold me too strictly to that stat--it's just what I've recently read.)
Although we aren't to be held by fear, God has also called us to use wisdom and discernment.
But are we sometimes just afraid to even try because at least we can hang on to thoughts of what "could have been" instead of what we might see as an epic failure?
Do you ever feel like some of the things you want to try for are better off left in the World of Fantasy rather than the Truth of Reality? Are you ever in love with an IDEA more than finding out what it could actually become? Does fear keep you from trying or reaching out, only to have you ever longing for what seems like a dream?
Here are some examples:
1. You dream of asking out/hinting that you like that really sweet, funny, faithful girl or guy at church or school or maybe even here on CC... but you're afraid of rejection. And so, you just live with the dream of "what could have been" instead of taking the risk. (I know that feeling. As I posted in the "crushes" thread, I had crushes on two former users--at completely different times--but neither felt the same towards me. I am much more reserved now... and cautious.) I also realize that even if two people do like each other, various circumstances, such as long distances (which work for some but not for others) may pose problems that can't be worked out.
But still. Do you sometimes like the IDEA that you and so-and-so could have been an item rather than finding out what so-and-so really thinks? Would you rather just leave it as an open possibility, even if it's only a dream, rather than risk having the door slammed in your face?
2. You dream of pursuing/taking that dream job/starting a business, but you're afraid of failing. Do you sometimes feel like it's better to hang on to the dream of "What Could Have Been" rather than risking all and going for it? Maybe you have images of becoming a CEO of your own company... but for whatever reason, you never actually go after that dream. Do you comfort yourself with thoughts of "where your life could have gone" and "what it could have been", because if you at least don't try, you also don't have to face failure?
3. You dream of adopting a child or adding another baby to your family... but due to money issues, marital conflicts you are afraid to talk to your spouse about, a job that eats up all your time... You are never able to see what could have been if your family had been expanded. Do you still dream about what you believe could have been if you were able to expand your family?
Any and all experiences and thoughts are welcome--please don't feel limited to these examples. Some other examples could be confronting a bully or domineering relative, choosing to go on a missionary trip, volunteering for something that scares you, etc.
I know someone is going to bring up 2 Timothy 1:7 that says God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
But there is also such a thing as common sense. And I am certainly not recommending that anyone take risks that will bring harm to them or their family. For example, if a man dreams about starting a business and he has a wife, 2 toddlers, a mortgage and two cars to pay off, and nothing to start the business with (meaning another big loan), it might not be the best time or idea, seeing as 90% of new start-up businesses fail. (Don't hold me too strictly to that stat--it's just what I've recently read.)
Although we aren't to be held by fear, God has also called us to use wisdom and discernment.
But are we sometimes just afraid to even try because at least we can hang on to thoughts of what "could have been" instead of what we might see as an epic failure?