Graduation season is upon us. Yet this journal entry isn’t just for the graduates, but for us all.
A common question we may get, at any stage in our life, is “What are your goals?” Or “Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years from now?”, or what about “Now that you’ve retired, what are you going to do, or what do you do, with your life?” (I get that one often!) Having dreams, goals, and targets in life is motivating and needed. Just don’t forget the small things add up to the greatest accomplishments.
Thinking about “the next stage” in life for so many high school and college graduates had me pondering on a couple of noteworthy mentionings. One, the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, and secondly a song by Josh Wilson titled “Dream Small”.
The first time I heard the poem (Please click here to view the poem.) was at a National Junior Honor Society banquet. The inspirational speaker, my dear friend Tommy Warnock, mentioned “The Dash” and how the dash on one’s tombstone represents all the life lived between the dates of your birth and death. He elaborated on how to live your life and how meaningful and purposeful your life is.
In the song “Dream Small”, I can vividly recall the first time I heard the lyrics. “Dream Small?” I questioned. Isn’t that the opposite of what we always been told to do…“dream BIG”? My ears became intentional in listening to the lyrics instead of just bobbing my head to the catchy tune. (Please watch the video and read the lyrics below.) Warning…you’ll start doing a little head-bobbing yourself, and singing along. Oh, but don’t just dance and sing, believe it!
You may be tilting your head like a little puppy now thinking, “what’s wrong with dreaming big, why dream small?” Well…let me share with you a phrase from the song that hit me:
Out of these small things and watch them grow bigger, The God who does all things makes oceans from river.
We all have moments in our lives that we may not realize add up to much. A simple handshake or smile can lead you to your next great adventure. A sincere “how are you” or a compassionate ear to the right person could be the spirit-lifter they need at that moment to help them refocus in their own life. Respectfully holding the door open for a stranger just may open new doors for you.
“Dream small. Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all. Just let Jesus use you where you are. One day at a time. Live well. Loving God and others as yourself. Find little ways where only you can help. With His great love. A tiny rock can make a giant fall. Dream small.”
Anxiety can settle in if we dwell too much on whether or not we will accomplish that dream-big/top-of-the-ladder/high-goal. Friend, I want to encourage you to GO FOR IT! Yes, dream big, but embrace each moment along the way. You’re not likely going to reach your ultimate goal instantaneously anyhow, so take one day at a time and enjoy the process it takes to reach those goals.
We serve a mighty God who makes BIG things happen all the time out of those small moments. Think:
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The little shepherd boy David, who defeated the giant and later became king.
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Little Joseph, with big confidence, and how he became the ruler of Egypt and prepared the nation of Israel to survive a famine.
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Fearful of his own limitation, Gideon, to leading his little army to defeating the Midianites.
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Young, adopted Esther became queen who ended up saving the Jewish people.
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The Hebrew baby found in the Nile River to becoming the recorder of The Ten Commandments and the greatest Jewish leader…Moses.
Oh, precious one, I could go on and on seeking and studying examples of little to big scenarios in the Bible (and I just may do that). I pray that YOU will realize that your small tasks, those abilities you feel are insignificance, the fleeting moments, and modest dreams in life, can turn into impressive ambitions and successes with God.
Like the song says:
Keep loving, keep serving
Keep listening, keep learning
Keep praying, keep hoping
Keep seeking, keep searching
Out of these small things and watch them grow bigger
Life is so precious. Treasure your journey, and go make a difference in the world. Start with you! May your river turn into a great ocean.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
It’s a momma singing songs about the Lord
It’s a daddy spending family time
That the world said he cannot afford
These simple moments change the world
It’s a pastor at a tiny little Church
Forty years of loving on the broken and the hurt
These simple moments change the world
Dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Dream small
It’s visiting the widow down the street
Or dancing on a Friday with your friend with special needs
These simple moments change the world
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bigger dreams
Just don’t miss the minutes on your way, your bigger things, no
‘Cause these simple moments change the world
So dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
So dream small
Keep loving, keep serving
Keep listening, keep learning
Keep praying, keep hoping
Keep seeking, keep searching
Out of these small things and watch them grow bigger
The God who does all things makes oceans from river
So dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Yeah, five loaves and two fish’s could feed them all
So dream small
Dream small
Songwriters: Josh Wilson
Dream Small lyrics © Audiam, Inc
