Dreaming takes practice. Now that both my kids are in grade school, it feels like the fog of the toddler years has finally begun to lift. I now have enough margin to start dreaming again. I’ll admit I’m rusty.

For the last eight years, my schedule has been oriented around the needs and wishes of two little boys, which means my days have been full of matchbox cars, peanut butter sandwiches and digging in the dirt. These days were messy and delightful all at the same time but did not include a whole lot of personal time for dreaming or goal setting. Most of the time, I was flying by the seat of my pants, thankful to keep two boys fed and alive by the end of each day. During those years, both boys napping at the same time was my idea of a dream come true.

Now, my boys are a bit older and able to do more daily tasks without my help. They are both in school for most of the day, allowing me more time to think, process and dream.

The Birth of a Dream

Several years ago, when I was still in the thick of bottle feedings and diaper changing, I was sitting on the floor in the corner of my bedroom. It was early in the morning, but I didn’t dare turn on a lamp, because I knew once my little ones saw a light gleaming under my bedroom door, the day would begin at rocket launch speed. I had resorted to reading my bible by whatever daylight was currently streaming in my bedroom window at 6 a.m. I have some fond memories in that secluded, quiet corner of my room.

I can’t remember exactly what passage of scripture I read that morning, but I remember clearly the message I heard from the Lord while praying, “I want you to write a book.” Huh? What? I was so surprised, because I’ve never considered myself a writer… an effective communicator maybe, but a writer? Nope.

Uncertain of what to do with this new information, and honestly scared, I stuffed it down into the depths of my heart somewhere to ponder later. I had never considered writing publicly before and the fear of being judged, misunderstood or doing it wrong plagued me. It still does. However, the Lord didn’t allow me to ignore His calling for very long. He continues to gently and lovingly remind me of this book writing dream.

At the end of a MOPS group meeting, I was chatting with one of my friends. I hadn’t told anyone about my book writing calling other than my husband. This mom and I were talking about the day’s speaker who had self-published numerous books. With the glistening of tears in my eyes, I confessed that I believed God wanted me to write a book, but I had no idea about what or how to get started. Her face warmed as she smiled and said, “You’d be so good at writing. I’d love to read your work.”

My heart leaped out of my chest. Her simple encouragement was the fuel I needed and longed for. Something about saying my dream out loud to a trusted friend made it more real, and her generous reply sparked a deeper desire to pursue this calling God place on my heart.

Reconciling New Dreams with Previous Dreams

The God-inspired dream to one day write a book has been the spark I needed to remind myself how to dream again.

I dreamed from a young age of being a mother, taking care of our home and supporting my husband. With this life-long dream mostly fulfilled, I allowed the part of my soul that dreams to basically grow dim and dusty. When God placed another dream in my heart, that dimly lit corner of my soul was once again illuminated and alive.

My new dream doesn’t cancel out or replace my previous dreams, in fact my writing has brought new depths of understanding and purposefulness to my role as a wife and mother. I’m excited to see how the Lord continues to intertwine my two dreams.

How to Start Dreaming Again

In my next post I’ll outline what I did once I had a new dream, but what should we do if we feel stuck and unable to dream?

I’m by no means and expert, but my best advice is to pray. Tell God you’re stuck. Ask Him to direct your thoughts, passions and opportunities. Ask for your heart to be tuned to His voice and His leading. Then wait. Look. Listen. Chances are there are ways He has already begun to move and equip you to build your unique dreams. Then step out in faith, trusting where He is leading you.

I’m not certain where my dream will take me.  I don’t know if I’ll ever publish a book or even write enough words to fill a book. Nevertheless, I surrender the dream to Him and look forward to the journey He is taking me on to get there.

Up next: Three steps to Jump Start Your Progress – Dreaming Again: Part Two