By Karma Chrisitne Salvato
Staff Writer
“Dreams are what make this life tolerable.”
So true.
And I have found that in a world full of continuous trials, occasional disappointments and the hurdles we must constantly endure to make us stronger — our dreams give us the strength and courage to face each new, daunting day.
The quote is from one of my favorite movies, “Rudy.” The movie is about a young man whose only dream is to go to Notre Dame University and play on its football team. It is an inspirational true story detailing how pure passion, perseverance, prayer and a positive attitude can lead you to the doorstep of your dream. It also shows how one person truly has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others. Most of the people in Rudy’s life don’t believe he is “Notre Dame material,” but he ignores them and fights for his childhood dream.
What were your childhood dreams?
Sometimes we get so busy with life that the things we were working toward get pushed aside or forgotten. And sometimes, the things we thought we wanted we don’t want anymore.
Dreams are a funny thing. They don’t always come to fruition the way we thought they would. Sometimes they come wrapped in another package.
But that isn’t necessarily bad.
Spiritually speaking, God can utilize any experience to further bolster our faith in him. He shows us that through trust, prayer and patience — all things come to pass. And, that he knows what is best for us. We simply must believe in him and understand that events will happen in our lives only when he knows we are ready and capable of handling them.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart,” says Psalm 37:4.
Put the steering wheel in God’s hands. He won’t steer you wrong. But he might get you to your destination via another route. Possibly quicker. Or, even better. Perhaps along the way you will learn something that you wouldn’t have had you done it your way. Perhaps you will discover a new dream, or finally be able to let go of the one you were afraid to relinquish.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. The millions of protesters who marched yesterday on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade have a dream. Daniel E. “Rudy” Ruettiger had a dream too. No matter whether your dream is to change the world, or simply accomplish your goals — it is important to never lose hope and keep on fighting the good fight. Ignore the negativity from those around you, and turn your dreams into reality.
Dreams don’t have to die, but sometimes we let them. We let go, allowing them shrivel up like an old piece of fruit or wash away like the ocean sweeping over sand.
God loves us and even when we think he isn’t listening — he is. He hears our cries for help, he knows what we are passionate about and what our dreams are, and is aware of the desires within our heart. Never stop daring to dream. The moment you stop dreaming, you stop living.
January 23, 2003