“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesistes 3:1-8 HCSB
When it comes to my God Sized Dream there are a few more I could add to this list:
- a time to write and a time to read;
- a time to be encouraged and a time to encourage;
- a time to say yes and a time to say no
Do you ever wish you had an Almanac to help figure out which time it is for your dream? I live in rural PA, surrounded by farmland, Amish, Mennonite, and grandparents who raised animals and grew their own food before it was the “in” thing and work hard from sunrise until sunset. They sell Farmers Almanacs at the grocery store. And people read them, understand them, and believe them because they’ve been right before.
There is a perfectly timed moment in my life for everything God has planned. My struggle? Slowing down long enough in my pursuit of my passion to seek His timing. I want my dream to come true and I want it now and I’m willing to put in the work for it from sunrise until sunset…but it doesn’t mean anything if “now” is not God’s plan.
But here’s the thing. Those farmers I know? They don’t wait until it starts snowing to prepare. They don’t wait until the first raindrops hit the ground to get everything ready. They plan ahead, knowing what is to come (even if the exact “when” is a mystery) so they’re prepared. It takes planning to plant and harvest and our dreams aren’t any different. Our “now” will come – if these dreams are God Sized Dreams and we’re trusting Him to use our talents for His glory, the time WILL come- but we can’t wait until the minute before to start our work.
So I start now. I practice. I tell people about my dream and I ask questions of women who are currently living my dream. I seek mentors and learn as much as I can. I go to conferences to encourage the women who speak and be filled, knowing one day God might have me on that stage. I write the words here because I trust God to use them in His timing, and although today might not be my “now” to achieve my dream, today might be someone else’s “now” to deeply desire an encouraging word.
Pray about your “yes” and “no” – and learn to say “no” so that you will be prepared when God asks you to say “yes” to your dream. If we fill up every minute of our lives with what we think we should be doing/feel obligated to do/say yes to without praying, we’ll run out of time, energy, and passion for our God Sized Dreams.
Build a community.
Share your dream(s).
Practice.
Pray for wisdom to know God’s timing.
Encourage others in their pursuit.
Do what you’re doing now excellently because, as Holley Gerth writes:
“…where you are today may be exactly the training you need for the place where God wants to take you tomorrow.”
You’re Made for a God Sized Dream
I’m linking up with Holley Gerth today – will you join me in reading the other God Size Dream team posts?
Oh Crystal your words ‘Our “now” will come’ are such an encouragement to me along with your remind to always be prepared. Thank you for sharing
Crystal, I know what you mean about chasing those dreams… For so long I chased dreams and missed what was happening right in front of me. I had to learn that the journey to my dreams is just as important, if not more important, than the final destination.
It’s hard to slow down. Definitely. Sometimes, I have to tell myself- Breathe… look at all the blessings surrounding you…
I love that you speak about preparing yourself while you wait. And even more that you sought out mentors. So what does one ask a potential mentor? Would love to get some insight from you on this.
Love, love, love your words, Crystal!! Today, during my quiet time, this is exactly what the Lord spoke into my spirit. PRAY FIRST!! Seek HIM FIRST!! Then, listen…
You’re such an inspiration, my friend:) Thank you for sharing you with us.
I’ll have to go check your post out soon! thank you so much for your sweet comments 🙂
amen! well said my friend 🙂
thank you Holley! without fabulous mentors like you, none of this would be happening 🙂
Great analogy, Crystal. I’ve no doubt that the many seeds you’re planting now are going to bloom into many beautiful things!
What a fantastic analogy! It is so hard to wait, it is so easy to become antsy and try to accomplish everything in your own power. But just like those farmers, it is so much more rewarding to be patient, work and wait in your now, and let God’s power be in control!
I love what you said about how today might not be our “now” but it might be someone else’s, and that person needs us to forget our self and come along side them in support and encouragement. I feel like God keeps reminding me that, no matter how much it requires of ME, this process is ultimately about HIM and his glory. My link-up at Holly’s was almost similar, about how selfish ambition and insecurity are really just the little devils on our shoulder and all we need to do is rest and enjoy the feast! Thanks for sharing – and your baby girl is too cute! 😉
You are in fire today, girl. Loving these words and watching you blossom into who you were made to be!
we need to make it happen! one of these days 🙂
Girl!! I so often find myself paralyzed by the unknown that I forget to move forward. I forget that God has it planned and figured out and plotted out and that I just. need. to. ask. for directions. Thank you for this today! Hoping that sit down coffee chat comes soon because now it’s your turn to be in my head and my heart!