I've been thinking about the topic of following our dreams and passions. (probably because I just watched La La Land, i didn't think i'd be into a broadway musical type of movie, but the production was really superb). A girl wants to be an actress and a guy wants to be a jazz musician. There's a point where they're faced with compromise, failures, set backs, opposition, criticism, disappointments and other tempting opportunities that might pull them away from achieving their dreams.
One thing I took away from it was that, following our dreams will require sacrifice. When we're committed to our goals, dreams and passions, we can't allow ourselves to get distracted, or to lose sight of our goals. Some of us may still be trying to find what we want to do in life. Beyond our dreams, desires, passions and goals, is something bigger. Our purpose. What were we created and called to do? Who are we called to be? How can I best glorify God and help others? Deep questions. But when we find our meaning and purpose, and God's plans for us, we unravel a deeper sense of our identity. We are all capable of loving and caring for others, and i think that's part of the formula.
Our general call and purpose is to know God's saving grace and to be part of God's kingdom and to know God and to be satisfied in Him. On top of that general call, we have a call to obedience to God's word, will and way. Then on top of that we have our individual specific callings and purposes, basically God's will for me today and for my life.
When we want to pursue our aspirations and goals, we need to have laser point focus. There will be sacrifices and distractions need to be cut away. What's truly important to you? What do you have to give up? What do you want in life? What does God want for our life? And is it worth the sacrifice? Sometimes I think of all the school and finances, and sometimes I do doubt myself. But then I come back to, I really would regret if I didn't pursue trying to become a counselor of some sort. Perhaps a pastoral counselor.
I still have another year of internship for mental health counseling. I have to rack up 700 hours, and then after I graduate, i believe it's another 1200 hours. That's a whole lot.. But in the end, I believe I'll be able to better help and counsel people. I think we all hurt, we all have pain, and in a sense we all need a sense of healing, care and support.
I had someone ask me before, .. "If money wasn't an issue, and you could be anything you wanted to, what would you want to be?" I do enjoy working with kids, and I also like sports and fitness. But I think it'd have to be something to do with church ministry or counseling, or both.
Back in the day, you couldn't choose what you wanted to be. If you grew up in a small town on a farm, you likely had to become a farmer, with not many options. I'm glad that we have the luxury to actually choose what field we'd like to pursue. Many people don't have the means to finance it. Instead of pursuing one's dreams, I can see why it might be more logically to just pick a career that pays really well. Money does solve a lot of problems, and can give you more options. If you're finically stable then you can still pursue your dreams even if it isn't your job. I think we all have multiple interest and passions. In many cases we need to work so that we can enjoy other hobbies.
I do respect and admire those who can give up so much to pursue their passions. They don't let opposition or obstacles stand in their way. They do whatever it takes. Consistency towards our goals is difficult because we aren't always motivated or inspired. We may not see how our day to day choices affect our long term goals. Eating right and exercising would definitely fall in that category. Another important piece is surrounding ourselves with positive relationships to support us.
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