Dream Your BIG Dreams

In 1980, Christopher Cross released his debut album, on which was a #1 hit aptly named "Sailing". If you've never heard the song it's worth finding. It's a magical melody mixed with poetic lyrics that speak of the joys of sailing. The lyrics are:

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross

It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away

And find tranquility

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

It's not far to never never land

No reason to pretend

And if the wind is right you can find the joy

Of innocence again

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

Sailing

Takes me away

To where I've always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

And soon I will be free

Fantasy

It gets the best of me

When I'm sailing

All caught up in the reverie

Every word is a symphony

Won't you believe me

It's not far back to sanity

At least it's not for me

And when the wind is right you can sail away

And find serenity

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

In the early 80's things had become very busy. Even the clothes and hairstyles were "busy". Society had begun an inevitable change that meant our lives would become more and more hectic. In the middle of all this "busy-ness", this song was released that reminded us of the simplicity of relaxation. The song talks about fantasy and allowing our minds to freely wander. In todays society, we take medication in order to keep our minds FROM wandering. Our creativity is stifled and we no longer dream grandiose dreams. Our methods of relaxation include addictions to drugs and alcohol and/or prescribed medications. We rarely play sports for fun, instead we play to win. We don't write music and sing for the joy of singing, instead we do it so we can be the next American Idol. We are so driven as a society, but to where are we driving?

This year, I encourage everyone to take a moment and relax. Free your mind and allow it to wander. Dream your big dreams again and fantasize about how you're going to achieve those goals. Enjoy playing sports because it's what you love to do. Listen to, sing, write, and play music because it's your passion. Then go and share your dreams with people who will support you in your dreams. You already know who they are.

Create time each day to clear your mind and relax. Just be still. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says, "Be still, and know that I am God". This same verse in New American Standard says, "Cease striving and know that I am God". The Hebrew word for "still" here is Raphah, which means to relax, let go, or be quiet. This year, learn how to relax and be quiet. Allow the peace of God to come over you and speak to you. Allow your creativity to run free, and allow yourself to dream your dreams and chase after them.