Good Will

“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground” (Theodore Roosevelt). 

Ian came home today, after running a few errands, with a bag of flannel shirts and a story.

Now, it’s my personal opinion that parents have done something right when they have taught a child to dream BIG, and yet, live humbly… to reach for the stars while finding joy in Life’s fine and real and raw gift of the present.

I must admit — I’ve not always led by example. Honestly, I’ve allowed some of my BIGGEST dreams to dwindle — choosing instead to take the path of pride rather than the oft up-hill climb of humility. (And what kills a dream more quickly than pride?)

No doubt. I’ve fallen short many times.

My best hope is that I’ve, at the very least, planted seeds and encouraged my children to live with eyes and ears wide open to possibilities.

To be grateful.

And yes, hopefully, to find the balance to humbly dream.

As Ian unloaded his truck and carried in dog and cat food, as well as the milk and other grocery items, he smiled. “I went to Goodwill today and bought some flannels.”

“Really?” I answered. “Good for you!” (I HAVE led by example in my love for a bargain at Goodwill and other thrift stores.)

“Yeah, and there’s something else,” he continued. “There was a piano in the store, and while I was there, a 6-year old boy sat down and began to play. People started gathering around and taking photos. It was amazing! I even heard a lady as I was walking out. She was on her phone telling someone about the ‘concert’ she’d just experienced. It was awesome!”

“That’s really neat,” I answered. “Did you recognize the boy?”

“No, I’ve never seen him before.”

And that seems somehow fitting to me. A nameless (at least to us) boy in our humble, small town Goodwill sharing his gift — birthed, very likely, from a dream (not to mention his parent’s persistent prodding and a piano teacher’s encouragement).

A boy who likely groaned and moaned when his momma told him they were going shopping – to buy a new pair of jeans or summer shorts or swimming trunks. (What little boy actually LIKES clothes shopping?)

And still, he experienced a ‘Shopping-Trip-Turned-Piano-Recital’ – right there in a consignment store. He and other shoppers were, no doubt, surprised with joy.

As the boy played and others watched and listened…

Joy came in the delight of sharing a gift.

For others, including Ian, joy came in receiving it. 

Such was, for both boy and audience…

The gift of a dream realized.

The gift of a dream (even if not piano playing, SOMETHING) hoped for.

The gift of a song given.

The gift of song received. 

Truly, the gift of humble cheer and goodwill – which truly does, over time, encourage each of us to dream.

“Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).