Holiness in our midst: Session 40

SESSION XL: ON FIRST STEPS

What is your dream for the coming year? What is the first step toward realizing it?

In lieu of resolutions, I’ve challenged myself to name a dream and do the first step towards achieving it. New Year’s dream is to go back to graduate school and complete my Master’s Degree in English at Iowa State University. I plan to call my contacts there by Jan. 15. There it is, my dream in writing!

Dreams die for many reasons, not the least is failure to take the first step. Nevertheless, dreams are worth stating and working toward. Here are some helpful notes about what we may face along the way and some suggestions to aid in those dreams coming true:

• Expect early roadblocks.

• Deal head on with unrealistic expectations of yourself and others.  

• Make it doable.

• Team with others.

• Pray to the One “who makes all things new.”

STORY CIRCLE PROMPT: What is your dream for the New Year? What is a first step (with a concrete deadline) you can take today toward making it come true?

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1. Read the above reflection.
2. Write a journal reflection on dreams that have come true in your life. What is your latest dream? What is a first step?

FOR GROUP STUDY:

1. Read aloud Session XL.
2. Ask each person to answer the Story Circle Prompt.

[View Past Sessions Here]

Note: Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com.