10 on the 10th - Dreaming

Recently I read another blog that talked about childhood dreams and questioned if we were at the place at 30 (ahem) that we thought we'd be when we were 16. It really made me stop and think about my plans vs. God's plans for my life. I've had lots of plans and dreams for my life, but most of all, since I first went to church when I was 12, I've wanted to live for Him. To bring glory to God in whatever I do.

I'm reminded of 2 scriptures:

James 4:13-15 (New International Reader's Version)
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.' You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, 'If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that.' "

Psalm 127:1 (New International Version)

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

So, to play along with Meredith's 10 on the 10th, I bring you my short list of different dreams/thoughts I had for my future occupation when I was a child:

1. Veterinarian - As a child I loved animals and thought this would be a fun job. I quickly learned that this meant lots of school, and I didn't like the idea of suffering animals, so I moved on.


2. Waitress - I had grand visions of carrying armloads of plates and handfuls of glasses to other people. This quickly faded as I realized my true capabilities to serve people without spilling.


3. Teacher - What little girl doesn't dream of being just like her favorite teacher when she grows up. I actually have an elementary education degree, but after student teaching, I realized that it isn't my thing.


4. Accountant - I just want the satisfaction of doing my own taxes. If I were to go back to college, (because I just adore school) this would be on my list of things to do.


5. Photographer - This is still a great interest to me. I appreciate good photography and desire to learn more about it. I just don't see it ever being a career for me -- just a hobby.


6. Architect - I have a strange fascination with great buildings. I just love to look at great architecture. I also have a HUGE love of homes and floor plans. I remember drawing up my own floor plan when I was in 5th grade. I had great hopes of building my own home one day. When I got realistic about schooling, I realized how much math was needed for architecture school and how competitive the market is, so I backed away from this plan.


7. Lawyer - Honestly, this was a short-lived dream, motivated by money and greed. After participating on the mock-trial team in high school, I realized that being a lawyer was more effort than I wished to put forth.


8. Secretary - I love organization, and I love office supplies. What a perfect job for me. Too bad they aren't better respected by the work-force


9. Physical Therapist - When I was in college, I had to see a physical therapist for over a year and a half. I really became interested in their work, and I appreciated all the help they provided to me.


10. Labor and Delivery Nurse - After my kids were born, I appreciated the love and concern that I received in the hospital when my kids were born. I think being able to witness the miracle of birth would be a great reward. I love babies, and more than that, I love getting to see families created.

WOW! I'm at 10, and I have even more to add. In the end, I am exactly what God has called me to be, and I am still seeking Him to lead me into something more. I have a seminary degree and was a full-time youth minister until he gave the the wonderful title of MOM! I love my mom title, and I wear it with pride. More than anything, as a little girl I wanted to grow up, love my husband, and raise beautiful, God-fearing children. (Well, I didn't add the God-fearing part until I was older and knew about God). Now, I seek Him daily and wait for Him to open up new ministry doors for me.

For more 10 on the 10th posts, visit Meredith's blog! It's a fun little game of lists. :)