Dream List

From as far back as I can remember,  I have had a "dream list", or a list of goals.  I remember that something motivated me to make such a list when I was in my early twenties. While I do not remember what inspired it, one of the things on 'my list' was 'serving on the board of education'.  It was that goal that ultimately led me to the love of my life, Gerry.  (which is where we met).

Later, while in seminary and awaiting an appointment to whatever church I would serve, I made a dream list of all the characteristics I wanted that appointment/church to have.  And when it occurred,  it had every single characteristic described on the list!   The exact same thing happened with my "dream house" list.  Out of fourteen items on the list, the only thing that deviated from my house dream list, was the price. That was an amazing experience!

Now, I have a newer book, and I call it my 'retirement book'.  Essentially it is where I write down my hopes and dreams and goals.   And I have found for most of my life that what one writes down as their desires has a lot of power to draw those specific things to you. Writing it down gives it a life of its own.

The nature of my desires has drastically changed over the years.  For a long time, the "dream list"  had to do with things that I hoped to accomplish  (such as a certain number of people in worship).  In more recent times,  it has to do with things I hope to enjoy. (lunch with friends, doing something special with my family, good health).

I already have my 2011 "dream list" written in my retirement book.  I'm superstitious, though, about revealing what is on the list, no matter how simple it is.  For example,  on my list for 2010 was "plant some Russian Sage" which I did, and by fall, it was lush and purple.

Some teacher in my youth had a poster on a bulletin board that captured my imagination and stayed with me for the rest of my life.  It was this:

Life without dreams is like a broken winged bird that cannot fly.