I think it's important to have dinosaur dreams.

 Or at least your own equivalent thereof. I think too often we get caught up in what we consider to be the concreteness of this life. We are told that where we are is where we must stay and who we are now is who we must always be. I'm here to say I think that's one of the falsest--while also being one of the most prominent--ideas being streamlined in everything we see, read, and experience in our society today. In essence, our society is attempting to hold our hope captive--trying to make us stagnant in every way.

When I think about dinosaur dreams, it most often means for me remembering the world of make-believe where my friends and I used to reside when we were smaller. Not only remembering it but trying to embody the idea that it's okay to dream; it's okay to follow your dreams. I think it should be encouraged, actually!

I understand there are limits to these dreams. Some people are physically unable to follow their dreams due to restrictions from social location; others cannot follow their dreams due to health concerns for themselves or those under their care that are far more pressing; and still others are prevented from following their dreams because of stereotypes placed on them by the dominant culture. But I wonder about those of us who do not have such restrictions. What if us following our dreams gives others the opportunity to follow dreams of their own? Not so that we can get some sort of self-satisfaction from helping another person. That's just what we're called to do in our daily walks with Christ. To love, empower, and care for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who are trapped, who need hope, who desire the warmth of the light and love of Christ but cannot find it.

Sometimes it is pertinent that we take the time to put aside our own self-doubt, get rid of the notion that what anyone else in this world thinks of us actually matters, and follow the dreams to which we are called. If for nothing else so that we may fulfill our duty, our call, and our longing to help other people. Not thinking of this kind of help as a charity case, but by thinking of it as an opportunity to form relationships with people who desire to know that they do matter and that they are loved.

This life is not concrete. Many of us have the ability to move, grow, explore, and make small changes that make this world a little brighter. When we follow our dreams, we remind ourselves and others that this life is not all there is. We have hope in life eternal; we have hope in unveiling the Kingdom of God on earth a little at a time; and we have hope that God's presence can be known to all people.

What if you knew for a fact that choosing to follow those dreams that have been on your heart and mind weren't just dreams...that they are a calling? A calling and an invitation to work with God to reveal the Kingdom, the light, and the hope? Would you take the chance? Would you trust that God will have your back every step of the way?

While questions like these are BIG and sometimes scary to address, I wonder what our world would be like if we did think big; if we did attempt to fully align our minds and hearts with God to follow the dreams that we have been given.What could God accomplish in this world if we remained open to seeking God and God's desires for our lives?

 ¹⁰ Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. ¹¹ Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! ¹² Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. ¹⁴ Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. ¹⁶ Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. ¹⁷ Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. ¹⁸ If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. --Romans 12: 10-18