Why Our Dreams Have Changed
When Henry and I first met, we had dreams of having great careers, a successful life, and lots of money. We had the same dreams most people have; worldly and self-seeking dreams. In those early days, even with the lofty goals, we did not know who we were or how we wanted to make our dreams real. Because of this, we made a lot of dumb mistakes and struggled a lot. At some point we woke up. We realized that being of the world and chasing the goals we had would require us to give up large portions of who we are. We would have to give up our souls and our morals. And we would have to submit to groupthink by giving into the same line of thinking that everyone else has. We realized that all of the things we wanted led to emptiness and only benefitted ourselves. They were meaningless.
Looking back, I understand why we wanted to be successful and to be respected. But peoples’ respect would only come from how much money we had or the image we presented. Not who we are or what we do to help others. We chose not to lose ourselves in order to gain peoples’ respect. The world wants us to have plastic surgery to look “perfect.” It wants us to make tons of money. It also wants us to have a sexy spouse, a nice car, a giant house, and a high-flying career. To not have those things, according to the world, is to not be successful.
How Far the East Is From the West
I’ll tell you what though: life isn’t fair. Some people are born to struggle – they are born into a place where worldly success is extremely difficult to achieve. Are these people worth any less just because they weren’t blessed with the same opportunities or capabilities as others? Of course not! Yet all people are practically forced to measure their value based on the “success” the world perceives them to have. I will tell you that in this world you will find death before you find happiness and pureness. Even the best times on earth do not compare to the worst times in heaven.
I often think of my mom. She died young. A long life isn’t a guarantee for anyone. At one point I thought “do I want to be living for this world and working at a career I hate? Or should I live to find and have peace?” Even though Christianity is increasingly being targeted as “archaic” and “hateful,” I have found great peace in the arms of God. I have seen what true peace and happiness is. And ever since we’ve entrusted our lives to Christ, Henry and I have the best relationship we’ve ever had.
What I Expect Out of Life
I do not know exactly what to expect because I live every day for God and He tells me what I should do in accordance with His plan. I do know that I want to live in a nice country house with my husband and grow old and have kids and talk about God and heaven. Other than that, I pray to God I live a long happy life or that He takes me sooner than later so that I can be in peace until the first resurrection. In an odd way I think I was born to come and find my way to my father Jesus Christ. The rest of this life I live is simply a bonus. I know that isn’t my only purpose here. I hope that I can have children who are Christians and spread the word and show love to all.
I have a lot to be grateful for too. I’m very grateful that I’m healthy. There are many people fighting illness and doing all they can just to get another day on this earth. While many people hold onto this world and what it has, I know that I’m not going to last here and that this whole world will pass away. I sometimes still struggle with wanting worldly things, but I work hard to be better every day. Long ago I decided I would study for a career in the medical field, but I have recently made the decision to pursue a less demanding career in the same industry. I made this choice because I feel scared that I might not give enough time or love to my future children. I don’t ever want to care more about my studies or my career than my family.
Now and in the Future
Henry and I seek peace, and we try our best to be loving in all that we do. Because, as Paul the Apostle said, “these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV).
