Blog By Polly Boyette
When my sister, Robbie and I are driving in the car we discuss all kinds of things from politics to why we hate our hair. Sometimes it’s hard to see how to drive because I’m laughing so hard.
On one occasion we were stuck in traffic, so I decided to strike up a conversation about my bucket list. For instance, I’ve always wanted to meet Paul McCartney. I’ve seen Paul McCartney in concert many times, but I’ve always had this big fantasy where I meet him in person and thank him for all his music.
I also shared that I would like to travel to Italy, England and France.
After I shared a few of these dreams with Robbie, I asked her what types of things were on her bucket list.
“I don’t really have a bucket list,” Robbie answered.
“Oh, come on,” I said. “There has to be at least one place you want to see or something you’ve always wanted to do.”
There was complete silence in the car. Robbie was deep in thought. I could tell this was, perhaps, the first time she had actually thought about a bucket list. I was very interested to hear her answer.
“Well,” said Robbie slowly. “You know, I’ve always thought I wanted to visit Mt. Trashmore.”
I immediately spewed my diet coke all over the car and almost choked to death laughing.
For those of you who don’t live in Virginia Beach, Mt. Trashmore is a garbage dump that was covered over with grass and turned into a park area for jogging, walking, and playing. It’s a pretty park now but it is not bucket list worthy.
Robbie just glared back at me as I tried to catch my breath.
“Mt. Trashmore?” I said. “That’s your big dream? Hey, I can make that happen just as soon as I get out of this traffic jam, baby!
“Wait!” Robbie said laughing. “Did I say Mt. Trashmore? No, I meant, Mt. Rushmore. I want to go to Mt. Rushmore.”
“I’m glad to hear your sights are set higher than Mt. Trashmore,” I said smiling.
We both had a great laugh after that. We still joke about it every time I drive past Mt. Trashmore.
She will never live that one down.
As Christians we should always live expecting great things from God. He is a big God and not only can He do the extraordinary, but He can do the impossible. Too often we dream too small. We’re afraid God can’t deliver on something we can’t manage to pull off ourselves.
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG)
This New Year, don’t be afraid to ask big and to dream big. He can give us more than we can ever imagine or request in our wildest dreams! That leaves the door wide open, doesn’t it? Take the limits off and expect, not just the extraordinary, but also the impossible.
Live with vision, even if you’re no longer 25 years old. God still has a plan for your life. You can still reach your dreams and goals even if you think the time for all of that is passed.
Don’t settle for Mt. Trashmore when you can have so much more. Dream big, speak big, and live big!