documenting a dream {part 1}

i'm a leader, an ideator, an instigator, and a future-seer {as in i can imagine-the-possibilities-for-the-preferred-future, not use magic cards and crystal balls to see the future. let's be clear.}.

but, what i'm learning is that i'm a good leader and instigator when it comes to making other people's dreams come true, and helping forward the mission that god has placed in the hearts of others. 

this is why i love consulting. the focus is someone else. and my job is to make church leaders better, stronger, wiser and help them accomplish their goals. and, i love this. 

the problem, though, is that god's given me my own unique dream. something i'm to do in order to further his kingdom and spread blessing to my community. 

my dream is to create a collaborative children's ministry community in chicago. a place for children's leaders in the city and suburbs to encourage each other, learn together, create innovative resources for each other and strengthen each one for the sake of childrens' faith. 

for a long time, i put this dream on hold. ignored it. silenced it's whisper. {along with it's loud, shouting screams}. there's a whole host of reasons why: not enough time, no actual plan for accomplishing my goals, no team to help me, and never enough money. 

the real reason. i was scared. afraid i'd risk and fail. scared others would see my dream as silly. 

but, you can only go on like that for so long. god's funny -- he gives a calling, and a purpose for our lives and expects us to follow through regardless of our fears. "do it already!" he shouts to all of us.   

so i took my first shaky step. earlier this year, i verbalized the dream i believed god had placed in my heart. first, with my husband and then with matt & henry.  to my surprise, they encouraged me. their words were powerful, "you must do this. and we'll help you." 

there's power in sharing the dream god has placed in your heart with someone else. 

and then i told a few more people. twelve chicago children's ministry leaders who listened to my story and said they, too wanted to make it happen. that's the crazy thing. when you share your dream with others, you invite them into fullfilling a god-given purpose and calling. and that's very good. 

then, this monday, that group of leaders met for the first time to make plans. and, i shared my dream again and it was scary saying it out loud just the same as the first time. but, they listened and affirmed and joined me. and together we're going to create something great for our city.* 

i'll be documenting our journey along the way. on how to make your dream happen, and how to take steps forward in accomplishing what god has specifically and uniquelly called you to do. 

for today, {step 1}: share your dream with someone. say it out loud to a trusted friend, family member or colleague. there's power in inviting others into the dream god has given you. 

consider sharing your dream here. leave a comment describing the thing god has uniquely called you to do. because, always, we're better together. 

*{our first offering will be an event in april 2013 called LOCAL. if you live in the chicago-area and are interested in collaborating with us, contact me. follow along on twitter using #LocalKidmin}

Comments

[Megan]

Amy- I posted a comment to this last week, but looks like it didn't go through. Wanted to let you know that this has been on my heart for a couple of years for specifically the children's leaders directly downtown. Doing ministry to families and kids in the city is a whole new ball game. Most of my director friends also shared this desire to see us come together and connect, collaborate, strategize, discuss, etc. but when push comes to shove we're all caught up in crazy ministry worlds. If you ever want to pull some city leaders in, or duplicate what your'e doing with some of the leaders here in the city let me know! Would love to see this happen in the city. I have been in contact with a few professors as well who are willing to speak once at a gathering and help prompt discussion. Thankful for your dream! and your willingness to share it! However scary it might have been :)

PS- got married this summer :) so my last name is different, but still plugging away at Park trying to figure out how to reach kids and families at Park!

[[Amy Dolan]]

hi megan!

congrats on getting married -- we have so much to catch up on!
we are actually hosting the event in the city and have several downtown leaders helping us plan the event. i'll email you with more details.