So, this was weird.
A few nights ago, I dreamed that I was the pianist (AKA the entire music pit) for a stage show called NCIS: The Musical.
For real.
We were performing in a church that had a large raised, front platform. I sat in a center pew with an electric keyboard on my lap, feet up on the kneeling pad to balance the keyboard, the music score on a makeshift stand to my left, and a small light attached to the back of my pew so I could read the music when the church lights went down.
And sitting next to me? Jethro Gibbs and Agent McGee from NCIS.
The church lights dimmed, the curtain went up, and the light that was supposed to focus on my music went out. That’s right. There was no light, and I could not see the music. I was supposed to be playing the big opening number. Actors on stage got very fidgety, the audience started mumbling, and I whispered loudly to Gibbs and McGee to do something while I vigorously rolled my fingers around on the keys, trying to make something sound like real music.
My goodness.
I wonder if this dream (which I experienced as a low-grade nightmare) was influenced by the dreaming and thinking and reflection I’ve been doing lately. Or maybe I just miss playing for musicals. Or I simply miss seeing Jethro Gibbs on NCIS.
Regardless of why my brain went sideways during those minutes I should have been sleeping peacefully, that dream reminded me of my real-life dreams.
The experiences I want to create. The activities I want to spend time on. The memories I want to make.
I am reminded of what Lara Casey says in her book “Make It Happen” …
You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do?
You should go do them.
Yes. My heart says yes.
My big dreams right now are really quite simple:
Tap dance.
Re-learn Norwegian.
Play more piano.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Here’s the deal …
When it comes to your dreams, it’s not what everyone else says you should do, it’s not about a “right” way. And it’s certainly not about January 1st or “new year, new you.”
It’s about continuing to understand what it means to become the person God has called you to be, then actually becoming that person.
And that person is made up of dreams.
So, here’s my invitation to YOU.
Whether you’re reading this in the first week of January, the blizzard month of March, or on a hot summer day in July, take a few moments. Sit in your comfy chair with a piece of paper and a favorite pen. Consider your dreams. And pick one to start working on. It may only take a few minutes each day to start bringing that dream to life. Your heart will thank you.
And to encourage you to get started and keep going …
Let me scoot my chair closer to you, take your hand, and whisper into your beautiful face …
God has good things planned for you.
And some of those good things are wrapped into your dreams.
Dream.
Do.
