Time to Let That Dream Go?

We hear a lot about pursuing one's dream, but people don't get quite so excited or worked-up about letting the dream go.  There are times, though, when it's the right thing to do.  Let's face it, Larry King is unlikely to be the next swimsuit supermodel.  In an earlier entry, I talked about letting one of my career dreams go.  In retrospect, it was a very good decision.  It's helped make me into the person I am today--not altogether a bad thing.  


For instance, one shouldn't cling so stubbornly to a dream or goal that it makes it difficult to provide for one's family.  I think one symptom of the "me" culture is that we feel somehow deeply violated if aren't permitted to keep banging our head against that brightly colored door.  There may be a good reason why that door is fastened securely shut.  Maybe it's just the timing is off, but other times sacrificing the dream, goal, hobby, past-time, etc. for the sake of one's family may be the right thing to do for everyone.  Having the wisdom to know when to fight for something and when to surrender it, offering it up, are two sure signs of the successful person in my book.  Not every dream may be destined for success, but we all may see real success if we keep our eyes fixed on Him.


While less critical for the single person, the husband and father has a responsibility to provide for his family as well as to serve as an important spiritual role model.   If we are unwilling to lead by example and selflessly surrender those things which impede our relationships or make it difficult to provide a stable household, it's time to take a hard look in the mirror.  The family should come first.