This morning, on a day when we celebrate one of the greatest leaders of the civil rights movement, I went to youtube and watched Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. If you have never listened to the speech, it is worth the 18 minutes of time it takes Dr. King to deliver.
One thing that struck me was Dr. King’s ability to paint a picture of a better future. He passionately paints a picture of a country that can do better – but brings the challenge all the way down to the individual people and neighborhoods.
As I was watching and listening, I was struck by how easy it is today to “not have a dream” today. What do I mean?
If I want something in life I simply go after it.
If the kids want a new toy, we go get it.
If we want a new house, we find a way to go buy it.
If I don’t like my job, I leave it.
If I see, hear of, experience too many problems in my community I move to a new community.
The suburban life of the “here and now” has replaced many of our dreams. We simply live for the moment and allow the dreams of greater good to escape us. All the while our souls are dying without a dream – something greater than our own selfish desires to pursue.
What would my life, my family, my neighborhood, my work place, my community look like if I truly had a dream? What if my dream involved the heart of God? What if my dream involved…
my daily priorities reflecting the goodness of a loving God?
reflecting a loving God to my family instead of simply providing stuff?
loving my neighbors as Jesus loves me, instead of pointing out all of their flaws on the HOA (Home Owner’s Association) website?
working an honest days work without grumbling about how much more I deserve?
sacrificing for the weaker in my community to give them a living picture of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ?
What is your dream?


