Today’s message contains two themes for your personal reflection. One theme deals with never giving up on your dreams, no matter how unattainable they might be, while the other emphasizes how important it is to know that when life presents us with grief and heartache, we have individuals in our lives who come to the forefront in our time of need, and walk side by side with us as we struggle with issues that appear insurmountable.
In my first teaching assignment out of college, I worked in an alternative high school program with students who were classified as “early school leavers” or by the more common term, “school dropouts.” These students exhibited issues that stood as obstacles to their successfully completing high school in a traditional setting. The challenges they faced in attaining a successful role in life, let alone a high school diploma were challenging. Despite these challenges, many of them worked to achieve success in life, and to this day many of them still contact me with their thanks for my intervention. Each of them faced obstacles in attaining their dreams, but they each believed that as Walt Disney stated, “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Secondly, we appear to be living in a time period where many individuals and families are dealing with life challenging issues. There are those who are struggling to provide for their families, finding proper health care or dealing with a mental health issue. Despite these challenges, I have often found that despite the difficulties life presents, there will always be those who come into our lives to offer their love and their emotional and spiritual support, when we need them the most. These are individuals who, when they recognize a friend in need or distress, will always offer they assistance.
Today’s messages hopefully will guide and assist others as they deal with similar issues in their lives. Like my former students, I hope that others pursue their dreams no matter how lofty they may seem, and secondly, when life places insurmountable obstacles in their lives that they find individuals who are there to walk by their side, and will never be alone.