Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
John Maxwell once said, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
I think we can all agree that there are many dreamers in the world; we see or hear about people each day who have wild ambitions and dreams, but not always the will or drive to see their dreams through. Unfortunately, I believe we are seeing more and more of the “millennial mindset” in which the emerging generation is wanting more without having to put forth the effort to get there. (I feel I have the right to ‘call out’ my fellow millennials since I am one.)
We all have dreams, some more ambitious than others. Often times, our hopes, goals, and dreams fall short; not due to ill intentions, but due to lack of drive, lack of resources, or out of fear of failure. I believe there are four primary qualities that remain consistent in all dreams that become a reality: persistence, perseverance, patience, and hard work. While the fulfillment of our dreams might sometimes take longer than we would like, with some obstacles and unforeseen challenges along the way, if we can hold on to those four primary qualities, we will succeed.
As mentioned briefly in last month’s letter, the expansion project (for all practical purposes) is now 100% complete. As I sit here today and reflect on what it took to get to this point, I think about the dreams of others. First, the dream of Jean Breckenridge to start this incredible ministry. The dream of Pierre de Wet who had a vision to see the ministry grow and do even more. I reflect on the work of Linda Taylor and Beverly Flynn who worked determinedly to advocate and secure funds for the project. I think about Brad Ezell who (for the most part) single-handedly oversaw the project from start to finish, handling each contractor and sub-contractor who stepped on to our campus. I think about our incredible administrative staff who are working tirelessly to ensure these homes become compliant with state standards so we can finally open our doors and allow residents to move in.
And now, as we are preparing to admit our first new resident in a couple of weeks, I think about the dreams of these families, many of them who are reading this letter right now. Their dream…their simple but profound dream of wanting their child or loved one to be safe, to be loved, and to have a home of their own. Through the work of others, their dream is now becoming a reality. I realize their dreams…your dreams…also consisted of persistence, perseverance, patience, and hard work. I get it. I’ve seen it. And, oh, how I am thankful for your dreams.
May 17th will be a special day. To applaud the work of others, but to celebrate the fulfillment of a dream. Thank you to those who dreamed, to those who persisted, and to those who didn’t give up to see that the lives of others are better off tomorrow because of the dreams you had yesterday.
So as I close out this month, whether it’s a personal dream, personal struggle, or corporate challenge that you are facing today, my prayer for you can be found in Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient during trials, and faithful in prayer.”
Until next time,
Steven Campbell
Executive Director