Always Have a Dream
(by Amanda Bradley)
(by Amanda Bradley)
Forget about the days when it's been cloudy,
but don't forget your hours in the sun.
Forget about the times you've been defeated,
but don't forget the victories you've won.
Forget about mistakes that you can't change now,
but don't forget the lessons that you learned.
Forget about misfortunes you've encountered,
but don't forget the times your luck has turned.
Forget about the days when you're been lonely,
but don't forget the friendly smiles you've seen.
Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right,
but don't forget to always have a dream.
Give Me a New Dream
(by Catherine Marshall)
Father,
Once I had such big dreams,
so much anticipation of the future.
Now no shimmering horizon beckons me;
my days are lack-luster.
I see so little of lasting value in the daily round.
Where is Your plan for my life?
You have told us that without vision, we perish.
So, Father in Heaven, knowing that I can ask in confidence
for what is Your expressed will to give me,
I ask you to deposit in my mind and heart that particular dream,
the special vision You have for my life.
And along with the dream,
will You give me whatever graces, patience, and stamina
takes to see the dream through to fruition?
I sense this may involve adventures I have not bargained for,
but I want to trust You enough
to follow even if You lead along new paths.
I admit to liking some of my ruts,
but I know that habit patterns,
that seem like cozy nests from the inside,
from Your vantage point may be prison cells.
Lord, if you want to break down any prisons of mine
before I can see the stars and catch the vision,
then, Lord, begin the process now.
In joyous expectation. Amen.
