Dream Small.

"Dream big!" Each of us are told to chase crazy dreams now and again. Whether that encouragement comes from your parents, your friends, or that inspirational poster you saw in Target, it's there. Growing up, I remember those words running through my mind frequently, and I'm sure you can say the same about yourself. There's nothing wrong with dreaming big dreams! But one thing I've learned this year is that there's nothing wrong with dreaming small dreams either.Here's what I mean. Some people dream of finding the cure for cancer or dropping everything to become a missionary overseas, and that's awesome! It truly is incredible that there are people out there with such intelligent minds and courageous hearts. There are also people who dream more "everyday" dreams. Those everyday dreams are easier to reach, which gives you space to dream more!It doesn't matter how big or small your dreams are. What matters is how you chase them. Chase your dreams with everything you've got in you. If you want something, give it 100% of your effort. If you're dreaming a big dream that seems unreachable, think of some smaller dreams and goals that will help you get there. There is no right way to dream. Don't be discouraged when your dreams look different or less exciting than someone else's. It's okay to want something different. In fact, it's better! If we are all dreaming the same kind of dream, we would reach that dream quickly and then have nothing else to pursue.Maybe your dream is to be a stay-at-home mom, or maybe it's passing all of your classes next semester. Whatever it is, pursue it. Give it all you've got. Once you reach your dreams, start dreaming new ones! Never stop dreaming, because when you stop dreaming, you stop living life to the fullest. Without dreams to pursue, we're just going with the flow. Don't just go with the flow. Chase something. I said it before, and I'll say it again. It doesn't matter how exciting your dream is to someone else. If it's exciting for you, that should be enough to motivate you to pursue it. If you're chasing something that doesn't make your heart fluttery and excited, stop. Drop that dream, because it's not yours. Turn around and chase something that puts joy in your heart.Ultimately, any dream or goal you set for yourself should point back to God. He's got incredible things in store for you already, and if you are focused on Him, your desires will align with His and that's when dreams become reality.Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.Maybe you haven't been able to relate to any of this, because you can't find a dream to pursue. My advice for you is to dive into God's Word and spend some time in prayer, asking Him to show you what His plan is and what your next step should be. No matter what category you fall into -- big dreams, small dreams, "nothing yet" dreams -- God's got a plan for you that is more incredible than you could ever imagine.words and photo by Lucy Boyland