Living the Dream?

Living the Dream?

Picture it, if you will–a shiny, beautiful baby grand piano. Some people want one and they don’t even play a note. They may see a baby grand as a sign of prestige or perhaps as a great conversation piece. Some may just want one to add flair to an otherwise dull space in their home. A baby grand is, after all, a beautiful piece of furniture. But none of those were my reasons.

I actually play piano, so it was one of my earliest childhood dreams to someday own one. And, all thanks and praise to God, recently my dream came true. About a year ago, I watched the men carry “the dream” up to my second floor apartment. Second floor? A baby grand on the second floor? Yes, the second floor. “I hope my neighbors like music,” I thought. It is quite beautiful, I must say, though not as shiny as when it first arrived.

Why not? Okay, I admit that I’ve gotten a little behind on my dusting. So the shine isn’t there like it should be. And okay, okay, while we’re at it, I’ve been way too busy and too tired to play it too. What a shame, especially since I definitely recognize just how valuable God’s gift of music is for the purposes of praise, worship, healing, encouragement and so much more.

So, there the beautiful dream sits in the living room of my otherwise modest apartment. Dusty and neglected. No prestige there. Just sitting there, waiting to be played. Not being used for its created purpose. Yes, that is a shame.

But it’s not too late. At least I recognize that the dream is right before me. So what I really need to do is dust my beautiful piano and welcome it into my home the proper way by using it for its intended purpose, which is to allow me to create and play beautiful music for myself and others.

Yes, my dream has always been to have such a piano, but I know that the lesson here goes far deeper than that. God has a dream–a much bigger dream for me. He has plans for me and a purpose for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). And while I sometimes feel like I don’t know exactly what God’s plans are, I do know that it is very important to Him that I love, trust, and acknowledge Him more than anything (Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6). And I certainly know that He wants me to take care of myself and the gifts He has given me. He does not want me sitting around, collecting dust, and missing out on living the purpose for which I was created.

So I will not be defeated by the time crunch. I will not be overcome by the dust bunnies. I will surrender my schedule to Him and will seek His guidance for my life. I am committed to living the dream—His dream for me!

What about you? Do you have a dream that you believe God has placed in your heart? Is the dream collecting dust? Are you neglecting it? Could it be that the dream is staring you in the face, but maybe you haven’t taken the time to nurture it and bring it to fruition? If so, it’s not too late. Pick it up. Dust it off. Talk to God about it. Ask Him if your dream is part of His plan for your life. Don’t give up! Say “yes” to God and to the dreams He has for you.

As added inspiration for you as you discover or revive your dream, I’d like to share with you a song I love called “My Heart Says Yes.” (Troy Sneed, EMTRO Gospel, May 2011) As you listen, try to imagine this as a love song from your heart to God. Allow the soothing flow of the music and the outpouring of the heartfelt lyrics to usher you into a surrendered posture before the Lord. Place your trust in Him and allow your heart to say “yes” to the plans, the dreams, He has for your life.

As for me, I still struggle with fully surrendering to God, but I am growing. I’m finally beginning to change the pace of my lifestyle so that I can spend more time in His presence. I’m learning to seek His direction for my life. And definitely, every day I thank Him for the blessings He continues to place before me. I’m excited about the plans He has for me. I’m ready to live His dreams and I don’t want to miss a thing, so my heart definitely says “Yes!”

Troy Sneed – “My Heart Says Yes” Official Music Video from Space Cherry Films on Vimeo.

“My Heart Says Yes” Official Music Video
Artist: Troy Sneed
EMTRO Gospel, May 2011
http://troysneed.net/videos.html