Dear Partner,
2021 is here and I have a few questions.
Have you decided on a “word” for the year?
If you had a “word” for the year previously, does that mean you can disregard that word and the obligations it carries in the years that follow? 200 years ago if you have pulled out the phrase “word of the year,” what would the response have been? I’m pretty sure you’d get some strange looks from people, suggesting that we focus on simply “surviving” for 1821.
I’ve decided my word for the year is “dream.” In the play “Don Quixote,” there’s a scene where a tired, worn, middle aged bar maid states “the ability to dream has been beaten out of me by the process of life.” Some of us could probably say the same thing after 2020.
When asked last Sunday during the sermon at church how we would rate the past year with 1 being the worst and 10 the best, the average from the congregation was a 3 – and that’s the number my wife gave as well. I was perplexed by this so I asked how she could give it a three when she was married to me? I suggested my presence alone should influence the year in a more positive direction. She thought about it carefully and crossed out her previous answer and changed it to a “1” (harsh but fair).
I am reading a book by Bob Goff entitled, “Dream Big.” I’ve been through it 4 times already, mainly because I’m having a difficult time dreaming even the smallest of dreams. I’m not depressed about anything. I’m not upset with the world or mad at the hand I’ve been dealt. I’m just not really excited about the challenge of “dreaming big” again. I’ve had some “big” dreams recently that didn’t exactly turn out the way I wanted. I’ve also had some dreams that actually came to fruition but they’re history, yesterday’s news, and honestly they didn’t come without a price.
So, I’ve developed a different dream strategy for 2021. They say small successes lead to momentum which then leads to bigger successes. That being the case the first thing I’m doing is I’m starting small.
It’s the smallest of dreams I’m asking you to be in prayer for in these coming days in regards to HYC. That dream would be simply to have a camping season this coming summer. You don’t need me to elaborate on the rationale behind that dream.
Secondly, I was asked recently if God came through on all my prayers the way I wanted Him to, how many lives would be changed because of it? So, when it comes to dreaming in 2021, with that thought in mind I’m making my dreams for 2021 “others” centered instead of “self” centered.
In talking with numerous teenagers in 2020, I saw clearly how much they needed HYC this coming summer. Camp represents hope, an infusion of Biblical instruction, and a sign that life is returning to normal. Your faithful giving will help to make it happen. Please dream with me that the summer of 2021 is the beginning of spiritual awakening in hundreds of teenagers’ lives.
Sincerely,
Craig Walker