ForeverBlog: The Importance of Dreams

To you remember "An American Tail"? You know, that animated movie from the 80's that had the cute little mouse, Feivel, who got separated from his family as they emigrated to America? The defining moment of that movie is when they sing the song, "Somewhere Out There." It's a tear-jerker of a song that breaks down even the hardest cynic's defenses. It was beautiful to know that the little guy finally made it home... *sniff*

You just knew that in a new world, with new challenges, and no familiar faces, all Feivel wanted was to be reunited. It wasn't just to feel better; it was his dream that his family was missing him just as much.

Why start with that? Well, I was called Feivel once in high school, but that was because I was wearing a velvet black and orange shirt (which I miss dearly). No, the I bring it up because somewhere in us, there's a longing to reach something meaningful. Something that might possibly lead us to find a view of the night sky and wish for bigger and better things.

I did that not too long ago on a dark night. For no particular reason, I walked outside our host family's house and took a stroll down their quiet street, close to midnight. Taking my time to look at the stars and walk leisurely, it gave me the opportunity to shove all else aside and figure out what I wanted most.

The first thing that came to my mind was the suffering and hardship that my loved ones have faced. Finances and health issues are always near, and sometimes we just can't dig ourselves out. Since college, I've always been short on cash, and needed help here and there. Each time, I find myself more and more eager to return the favor. So yes, my big dream is to bless others.

The next thing that came to mind is the biggest one of the past few years: getting my first book published. It's the chance to take an inherent, God-given talent I have, use it to inspire others to dream, and to provide the financial means to ease the burdens of my friends and family. I used to wonder how people could devote so much time and discipline toward ANYTHING; I tended to lose interest in most things once they became old hat, or too challenging. Yet writing has kept me engaged and challenged in good ways. I am much smarter and wiser from the learning and researching I've done for my books.

The above two dreams I hold pretty close, and one other sticks out: this strong desire to live in New York City someday. This also came from my book research, as I found hundreds of years of history in NYC that just wasn't elsewhere in our nation. When I went to Russia for a mission trip 7 years ago, what impressed me so much was that the Russian high school students we witnessed to were so knowledgeable about their nation's history, one that went back much further than America's.

I would love to see what remains in NYC from when it was the nation's capital, where George Washington was sworn in. I'd love to tour Ground Zero, and beam with pride when its successor, the Freedom Tower, is completed in a few years. I want to climb up Lady Liberty and remember a time when America and France were the staunchest of allies. To walk where John Lennon was killed, and see the annual vigil that takes place in nearby Central Park. I'd also love to skate on the park's ponds, playing with friends or my children. There is much to see and enjoy there, and I would relish the chance to taste it.

Those are some of my closest, dearest dreams...none of which I'd be aware of if I didn't take the time to search myself and know what my true desires are. Sometimes in the rat race, we forget to slow down and dream. To that end, go ahead and pull a "Feivel" and see what you have in mind. I believe that God gives us good desires to pursue, AND the means to pursue them, to fulfill a good purpose for ourselves and others. A door can close on some of our goals, but it's certainly never too late to keep dreaming. A little mouse I know taught me that.

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