Keeping Your Dream

Every night, before my wife and I shut off the lights, we read a devotional together and last nights devotional hit a particular spot with me concerning the dreams we all have here at WA. So, I thought I might pass this along and see what you think.

This story is about a fellow named Monty Roberts. Monty owns a ranch in California and is the son of an itinerant horse trainer who traveled to farms and ranches training horses. As a result, Monty's high-school career was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper abut what he wanted to be and do when he graduated.

That night Monty wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He even drew a picture of a two hundred acre ranch showing the location of all the buildings, stables and, the track. Then he drew a detailed floor plan for a four thousand square foot house that would sit on this dream ranch.

The next day he handed it in to his teacher and a couple of days latter received it back with a large red F and a note that said, "See me after class".

When he went to see the teacher he asked, "Why did you give me an F?"

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I know this is long but, hang in with me.

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The Teacher said, "This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you! You have no money, you come from an itinerant family, you have no resources! Owning a horse ranch takes a lot of money! You have to buy land, pay for the original breeding stock and later on you will have to pay large stud fees. There is no way you could ever do it. So, If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I'll reconsider your grade." (Can you believe that?)

Well, he went home and discussed the matter with his father and his father told him, "Son, you have to make up your own mind on this. I think it is a very important decision for you."

After thinking about it for a week, Monty turned in the same paper without any changes at all except for note in large red letters which said, "You can keep the "F" and I will keep my dream."

So, guess what. Yeah, that's right. Today, Monty lives on a 200 acre horse ranch in a 4,000 square foot house and he often has children coming to his ranch to learn about horses. And guess what, he has that paper framed over the fireplace!

Some time ago, that school teacher brought a bunch of school kids to his ranch to camp out for a week. Upon leaving, he looked at Monty and said, "I stole a lot of kids dreams, they gave up too easily. Fortunately, your dream crystallized. You made it happen."

At the end of the devotional, the writer quotes the person who told him the story. He said, "When someone shares their dream with you, it is the center of their soul. Do everything in your power to come alongside them and help them reach their dream."

I know this is long but, I just want to tell you what I got out of this.

1. Got a dream that you are looking to fulfill with the help of WA? Do not give up on it. Success may just be around the corner and you could be giving up to easily.
2. What a great community we have here. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't read an encouraging post from someone in the community. Encouragement is a part of our reason to be here so, lets NOT stop encouraging one another to keep pursuing their dreams.
   

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and have found some encouragement in it. Puts me in a better frame of mind. How about you.

On with the journey,

Wayne