Dreams are an amazing thing. I don’t mean the kind of dream that comes to you in your sleep that you may or may not remember. The dreams I’m talking about are those that would be defined as something greatly desired. You know – those things you can’t get your mind off of; those kinds of things that you would sacrifice and work for. Robert Lewis says that having the right dream is one of five ”work energizers.” His definition of the right dream is “Something I can do and want to do that accomplishes something worth doing.” Lastly, he says that the more our work integrates with our dreams, the more energy we will have for what we do.
This is the first of several entries I am planning regarding our trip to Colorado. On this trip I had the opportunity to be connected to two people who are living out two separate dreams of mine, and they are neighbors, although, unfortunately, not neighbors of mine! Of course, both have dreams of their own, and they are definitely stepping out in faith. One is a friend who I’ve known for several years now, another is a man I just had the opportunity to meet.
I’ll start with a little bit of background information so you know where I’m coming from. About six years ago, my wife and I tried to purchase a ranch. Our intention was to turn it into a bed and breakfast where people could come for spiritual renewal. Our main goal was going to be to use it to minister to single parent families. We couldn’t sell our house in time, and someone came in with a full offer on the ranch. We had first choice to buy or not because of the contingency, but didn’t think it was wise to take on two mortgages. Ever since that time, the dream has never died. Sometimes it’s stronger than at other times, but it has never gone away. While in Colorado we were connected with our good friend, Gary Sprague, President of the Center for Single Parent Family Ministry. He and his family are living out this dream. Through the ministry, they are leasing The Lodge at Elk Valley, and they have a dream to raise the money to buy it. Through it, they are able to minister to single parent families. The place is awesome! It is a beautiful log cabin lodge with a perfect, unobstructed view of Pike’s Peak. When we were there, there was a herd of elk closeby. They can host in the neighborhood of 20 people at a time. I would love to someday be able to minister to people, especially spiritually, through a place like that.
Before I introduce the second person, let me give you a little more background information. I have always had a love for dogs, especially working dogs. My favorite books as a boy were those written by Jim Kjelgaard. I also enjoyed The Call of the Wild and White Fang. My favorite movie of all time, though, is Iron Will. I have had a deep down fantasy of mushing a team of sled dogs. Now, maybe you’ll understand my excitement in meeting the second person I’m talking about. His name is Kurt Reich with Black Diamond Sled Dogs of Colorado. When I was at the conference this past weekend, I was outside and heard what sounded like a wolf or coyote pack. I asked Gary’s wife if one of their neighbors raised dogs or if I was really hearing wolves or coyotes. She told me about Kurt and that he is training for the 2009 Iditarod. My eyes probably bugged out of my head, and I asked if I could meet him. I had the privilege of meeting him, seeing his dogs and getting to hear about what he does, including his dream to race in the Iditarod. I was totally impressed with him as a person and in how he was taking care of his animals. He wants to race to raise money for charities, especially those that help children! Now, that’s what I call having a greater purpose that extends beyond oneself! Of course, even with this dream and the sacrifice it will take, being a father is number one, and I admire him for that!
Now, I don’t know where all of this is going, but it did my heart some good to be around these guys. They both have incredible dreams. They are living an adventure! They are both stepping out in great faith. Neither one of these guys are like the boat sitting in the harbor that I talked about in an earlier blog – they are like the ship at sea. Neither knows where the money will come from, but they believe it will be there when they need it. They are both praying for God’s provision. If you are interested in knowing more, you can find links to their websites here on my blogsite.
Why did God have me meet two guys who are living out my dreams? Maybe so I can be a part of it through prayer. Maybe for other reasons. I’m just excited to see what God is going to do. I will be praying for these two guys, and I encourage you to, too. May God give you a dream bigger than yourself that will bring Him glory and will draw you closer to Him!
