Dreams Change (Be Still and Know)

I have music going through me most of the time if I can just get quiet, and Monday always used to be the night I practiced music with someone or some people. It stopped a couple of years ago, so then I tried to make Monday night music night again, but it's kind of like what they say happens when you put your finger into the water and pull it out again. Something else takes its place, I also want to relax and read tonight. Last night the music going through me consisted of parts of the worship music I had played yesterday morning, and it was inspirational and edifying. Tonight, it's just some country melody that probably goes with many country songs that have been recorded. It was equally refreshing and uplifting, and for both experiences the one to thank is God. Music is a gift from God. Designed for worship but enjoyable for everyone. I personally was drawn to God by hearing music, specifically "Amazing Grace" at some outdoor event years ago, I don't even remember when or where (reminds you of a title?) Yes, there was a great song called "Where or When." I didn't know it was written by Rodgers and Hart, for a production called "Babes in Arms," but I fell in love with this song as it was recorded by the Lettermen in 1963. I'd love to learn it now. There's something about making music with other people that is really a wonderful experience. Playing music alone is best for connecting with God, but playing music with others is great for sheer enjoyment because of the harmonies and the way the different instruments play off each other, and it is just great for the human and sometimes spiritual connections. Once I was caught up in a dream but the dream came tumbling down. I don't know what people mean when they say, "Never give up on your dreams." I think they are possibly trying to help people define their dream, but really, dreams change, and no dreams come true without a lot of work and dedication, and honestly, I wonder how many dreams are selfishly motivated, in which case, they might not pan out--or, perhaps, they will, and the outcome might not be what was expected. I am just kind of intrigued with the whole concept of "follow your dreams," because I think very few people start out with one goal and accomplish it in life. I think life is filled with changes in direction and experiments that sometimes dissolve before they can be completed. I have always believed that nothing, no dream, no ambition, no stated goal was worth losing yourself, relationships, or, more importantly, your soul in order to achieve them. If people feel like friends come and go, people are useful until they're not, relationships are not important, and God is least important of all, I would say those dreams in the end are not worth much, or, hopefully, their demise might actually end up being a blessing. I do not want to see any "care" emojis on this post, I am not feeling sorry for myself or feeling depressed or asking for sympathy, I am just perhaps making a comment about "dreams." I think culturally, a great many dreams are just a lot of pie in the sky at the most and something for the dumpster at the worst. Have I given up on my dreams? No, I have not, but they have changed. Most of them are not generally known so I wouldn't be posting them on any displays. Children are taught early to think about what they want to be when they grow up, such as ballerinas, rock stars, professional athletes and the like, and you know as well as I do that everyone is not cut out for those prized positions, and none of them are worth losing yourself, your friends, or your soul in the process of achieving them. It's great what a variety of roles and occupations are available for people as they reach adulthood, but there are many other things to focus on in life. I don't think we should be preaching to children to follow their dreams or their heart or anything else, for that matter. God made everybody different and life is very much more than becoming a star at something, as much as the world admires and adores and even worships these individuals. For one thing, making money should not be the primary goal of every person growing up in our country or in this hemisphere. Money comes and goes, and most people are not billionaires. We should be teaching children to have useful skills, of course, but add to these respecting others, being kind, being helpful, being a good friend and neighbor, husband, wife, parent, family member, and finding a way to serve others that is amenable to our skill set. These are the kinds of dreams we should be instilling in our kids. And that is all I have at this time. Be still and know.