When your dream changes
Most of us dream this: meet prince charming, get married, have kids, live comfortably, die holding hands while rocking side by side on the porch. But life…
Sometimes that dream is shattered by abuse, or divorce, or childlessness, or a child dying, or a spouse’s premature terminal illness. Then what?
Oh, how I wish younger me could have let go of expectations, not held tightly to what I thought things should have looked like. But older me has perspective that when I was younger wasn’t possible. And in this life, there is a learning curve that doesn’t end till we’re in eternity. And whatever that learning curve holds is what is best – not just good but best.
That’s a truth that I’ve rebelled at, pleaded about, tried to fix/change/rewrite. But we don’t write the story, and our hearts cannot have peace when we refuse to accept that God does make ALL things beautiful in His time.
I’m starting (better late than never) to relax into the Father’s truth and promises. Until I accept His way is best, without my interference, I won’t be able to open my hand to His best while letting go of what seems oh so good.
A passage I’ve surely read many times made me pause recently and consider the beauty and assurance it held: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Peter 1:3-5 NIV)
This is what struck me “kept in heaven for you”. That’s very personal. In essence, there is a treasure chest in heaven just for me, just for you. Set aside, special. Not a literal chest – but a personal bounty set aside with only me, only you in mind. Also note: “who through faith are shielded by God’s power”. Nothing can touch us; nothing can rob us of our heavenly treasure. No earthly life catastrophe – even the very worst we can imagine – can change what will one day erase all this agony.
For me, there will be no rocking chairs with my silver-haired man still telling me I’m beautiful. But he will be waiting on the other side – and I’ll share my true treasure with him forever. For now, what’s important is that we live knowing how rich we are and freely, daily seek to use it for the good of others whom God has put and will put in our lives.
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parisrenae 
Hi
It’s good to see you writing again. I am guessing Steve is not doing well and I’m so sorry. I will keep you both in my prayers and thank you for being so open with what you are learning and how you are leaning into Him. Dreams do indeed change!
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But God is good and we are His – Amen
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God bless you, for your strong faith and for sharing this reminder for us all. Praise be to God! 🤗
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Any and all strength has come from my Jesus the author and perfector of our faith- may you be blessed with a relationship with Him that comforts and blesses you in all ways – always!
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Well said and ever so true and hope filled. How often I’ve rebelled over my never changing circumstances and not rested in the best and God’s plan and purposes. I’m still working on it . Thank you for putting it in words.
Prayers for you both.
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You are precious- I had no idea you read my blog. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement- and may you find the same encouragement and comfort from our Jesus who loves us so.
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Great reminder of what awaits us in heaven. I still struggle with the fact that we will all have to say our goodbyes but because of Jesus, we have assurance that we will all be together again praising our Savior all the day long!!🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
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So normal for us to struggle with goodbye- death is not how it’s supposed to be – its an after Eden result – but someday no more – only “Hellos” – AMEN
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So good to see you. I, too, wish I had let go sooner of expectations so I could embrace everything God had for me in the moment.
Thank you for being part of our Grace & Truth Link-Up! I’ve highlighted your post on my Pinterest board—check out your feature here: https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/.
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In the moment is the key, right? We miss a lot holding on to what we think is best. Appreciate your weekly words on your blog and thank you for sharing my words…blessings
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