It's been over a year since I last posted on here. I find it interesting how sometimes the day to day can feel so similar, and yet, as I look back year to year, I see so much change. It's probably a blessing that things progress this way. We'd all be shell-shocked if everything always changed so drastically overnight.
I seem to be dreaming more lately. In general, it's not something I do much of at night. Sometimes my dreams seem meaningful, and other times for the life of me I can't fathom why I dreamed the things I did. Why do people we know pop up in our dreams when we're not thinking of them while awake? Should we reach out to or pray for those we dream about? Is there always symbolism in our dreams?
As I look back at where I've been and the decisions and non-decisions I've made, I see some sort of correlation. Sometimes my actions feel deliberate and God is nodding in agreement. Other times, I make decisions not knowing exactly where I'm headed and the outcome really feels like God orchestrated the whole thing. It feels like we're co-pilots and I sometimes let go of the controls. Sometimes it feels like I'm calling the shots, but oftentimes it feels like I'm just along for the ride. When I think about how God (from the very beginning) has always called Man to partner with him, the co-pilot analogy starts to make sense.
Lately, the simple phrase "You are for me" has resonated with me. It's a biblical truth. God doesn't desire for us to be miserable, unproductive, and purposeless. Moreover, God actually wants the best for us. Jesus showed us his commitment to this.
Oxen plow hard soil together; they work through the mud. That's difficult work, but they're stronger together. One ox can pull 5,000 lbs, but two oxen can pull 15,000 lbs. God's yoke really is easy. He really is alongside us the entire way. When we choose to partner alongside God, we start to see our potential. Looking back at times where I maybe lived with God but didn't partner with him... those aren't times I want to revisit. It's clear to me that God inserts and magnifies opportunity and purpose.
I pray that I never forget that purpose is found in God. I pray that I seize opportunities to bring about love, wholeness, justice, creativity, and peace in this world. I pray that I won't just dream while asleep, but dare to dream big every day, trekking towards all these things I pray for, knowing that God will place opportunities as I steward well what He has provided to me.
