Dreams are beautiful and make life brighter, richer. But when we spend more time talking about what we want to do, giving words to our envisioned future but nothing else, that's when we miss out on something. Dreams don't come about through words alone - they require sweat, effort, tears. What would happen if the time spent talking about our dreams was instead devoted to quietly working to accomplish them?
The modern culture is one obsessed with looks. We buy jewelry to go with different outfits, own how many of each item of clothing, and spend how many hours pouring over pictures of what other people are wearing? Yet, when we strip away the distractions of this world and get to know someone for who they truly are underneath - an image bearer of the Almighty God - we often find a beauty that only God can give. So maybe instead of worry about whether your shoes match your top, wondering if your make up is done right, hoping the cute redhead at the bar is single, or getting that suit tailored...maybe we ought to ask "How are you?" and then listen, really listen, to the answer. People are valuable for being people, not for appeasing our eyeballs.
Never underestimate good, old-fashioned values. Keeping your word, following through, writing back, being honest...even in the fast paced digital age, common courtesy is just as important as ever. Perhaps even more so.
Practicing what you preach might be the hardest part of getting older. It's easy to see where others are going wrong and to correct them....but are we aware of our own failings? Do I live out the values I laud to others?
There is something joyous and infectious about those who are easily excited and enjoy what they already own. I'd rather spend a day building with Legos out of an old, plastic tub with someone than be near those who are always trying to find that perfect piece of technology.