Long layovers, rerouted plans, canceled flights, and different routes. These are the “as we speak” common experiences of 13 of my friends who just spent a restful, inspiring weekend with one another in Branson, MO.
But as we spread across the midwest, south and east headed home, weather challenges aren’t the only thing we have in common. We are all God-sized dreamers. And our dreams, along with Holley Gerth’s words, brought us and about ninety more like us together over a year ago. That meeting didn’t take place in Missouri but rather all over the country as women bravely showed up on a Facebook group and began to tentatively share and encourage one another in their dreams.
A year later, many of those dreams have morphed. Some have come true. All have been challenged. And the dreamers have grown individually and in community. That’s what this weekend was celebrating.
Holley Gerth’s book You’re Made for A God-Sized Dream was released one year ago on March 1. Yesterday on March 1, just a small representation of the fruit of Holley’s book was shared around two tables. Dreams discovered, dreams evolved, dreams exchanged, and hearts encouraged.
The God-Sized Dream Team applications we filled out over a year ago asked what our dream was. Yesterday, some of us couldn’t remember what we’d written, but all of us have spent the year stepping toward our dreams. And while our path today might not look like the one we imagined a year ago, we are all better for the journey.
We’ve had long layovers as we waited unsure of what the waiting was for. Our plans have been rerouted by all sorts of trials, big and small. Some of our “flights” have been canceled and we’ve had to look for new routes. But along the way, we’ve discovered peace and rest in the waiting, unknown strength in the trials, and friends and experience we wouldn’t have known had we not been rerouted.
Walking in your dreams is hard. The unknown is scary, and no matter how well we plan, it doesn’t take long to realize our plans are tentative at best.
But while the details may be complicated, I think the key to dreaming and seeing them come true is very simple. You show up and bring your best. Over and over and over again.
And along the way, you look for the blessing in the unexpected layovers, cancellations, and rerouting.
My connecting flight was canceled today, so tonight I’ll share dinner with my brother-in-law’s family in Chicago. It wasn’t at all what I had planned. It’s better.
Dayspring & Revell Publishing generously sponsored our God-Sized Dream Team weekend and shared copies of Holley’s newest book, You’re Going to Be Okay, and I’m giving it away! Enter below for a chance to win!
Holley will be sharing her words at Winsome in just five short weeks! It’s not too late to join us. Go here for more information!
It looks like you all had a wonderful weekend! I would have loved to have come, but it was not meant to be this year. (Maybe this can be an annual event?) And your metaphor of the travel plans is so perfect for this journey. It's been changed, rerouted, laid over, put on hold, and gone forward, not always in the way I would have thought. What a privilege to be part of this group!
Yes, it is a privelege! And I'm all for an annual GSD retreat!
Awesome Kim. I have been so blessed to see a glimpse of your God-sized dream. Love your heart for women, your wisdom and gentle spirit – just drawn others in. Then, once we get there, you shower us with even more love and wisdom. You encourage me so!
Thank you, Kelly! You bless ME!
Looks like such a good time! I'm glad you got rerouted and it turned out to be such a blessing. I made a few God-sized dreams around the time I read her book and two of them have come true. One is coming into fruition, I believe. But yes, they look a lot different than I ever imagined. So excited to hear how Winsome goes.
Isn't it great to know God is the one rerouting us . . whether it's dreams or flights home (as I wait for my third rescheduled flight!)
Oh Kim, such a good and fitting analogy. What a blessing to bunk with you. I am so blessed! Praying for Winsome. Love to you!!!
Thank you, Elise! It was wonderful to have so much time to talk with you this weekend! XO
That simple truth from Proverbs is life changing if we will only let it. We have plans — lots o plans. But are they right for us? Are they what's best? When I sing, "Have Thine Own Way Lord" and then He does, who I am to complain?
Yes, life changing and freeing! Surrender brings freedom when it's to a God of such great compassion and good will! Thanks for the comment, David.
Lots of inspiring ladies in that group- looks like it was a special time! 🙂
Kim,
Wow..,what a gift to celebrate with Holley and with the other ladies 🙂 Love seeing all of your smiling faces 🙂