As youngsters we are eager to dream big, make wishes, and take chances. Everything around us is shiny-new and full of glorious wonder. The night sky is alit with twinkling opportunities to boldly cast our desires to the heavens as we wish upon stars. We believe with our whole hearts that every desire, hope, and dream will come true.
As time passes and we journey into adulthood, that unbridled eagerness more often than not gives way to caution. Our untarnished wonder at all the opportunities life has to offer begins to fade. We get caught up in the everyday chores and responsibilities of adulthood, and surrender to the familiarity of a daily routine. Children need to be fed, laundry sits in unsorted heaps along the floor, and the lawn is so tall it threatens to overtake the house.
Energy is zapped; the soul cries out and creativity weeps. Who has time for wishes, dreams and taking chances?
Life goes on, and days roll into weeks and months, and sometimes even years. If and when the opportunity arises for an afternoon outside of our routine, the body is so drained than an inner battle ensues…how should that time be spent?
Spend it by taking a trip back to the carefree days of childhood. Take a long walk to brush away the cobwebs from your mind and to let in the light. Savor the little things…the sweet scent of lilac, wispy cloud pictures along a cerulean sky, and the kiss of a warm breeze on your cheek. Allow your mind to wander and dream as if you were a child again. Make a wish or two, and believe they will come true.
Then, act on those wishes and make them come true. Feel creativity return like a wash of sunlight over vast, green fields just ready for sowing. Plant seeds and watch them bloom into beautiful flowers. Then pluck a fragrant bloom or two–or an entire bouquet–and carry the blossoms home to remind you to keep a bit of childlike zest alive inside…to wish, to dream, and to never stop taking chances.
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Can mercy be found in the struggle between past and present…
Wyatt Cutler manages to break away from family-owned Cutler Nursery—and small-town Clover Cove—until his father perishes in a tragic accident. With no choice but to abandon his prestigious position at world-renowned Messer Dynamics and return to home, Wyatt’s only goal is to help his mother and brother, Reese, keep the family business afloat.
The laughter has faded for Kami Moretto as she struggles to keep her family’s business running. With her mom gone and her dad in a deep depression, Pappy’s Pizzeria hangs on by a thread. Kami longs for days of the past and a time when her faith carried her through every storm, while she wonders how Wyatt can take his family—and his business—for granted when hers is in such shambles.
When tragedy strikes, Wyatt realizes he must let go of the past and cling to hope for the future; he’s in danger of losing his family, his business, and the only woman he’s truly loved.
Mary Manners lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and their rescue dog Axel, mischievous cats Colby and Rascal, 6 rambunctious chickens, and 13 fish. Mary writes small-town family romances laced with faith, hope, and humor. Her books have earned multiple accolades including two Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Mary loves long sunrise runs, Smoky Mountain sunsets, flavored coffee, and chocolate…lots of chocolate.
The everyday can get in the way of dreams as you grow up.
What a beautiful cover. Sometimes life happens and we forget how to dream. Blessings
Dreams can also change over the years, as we grow and mature, and as we seek what God wants for us, not just what we want for ourselves. The book sounds really good!
This story sounds really good. I think dreaming is something that’s important to still do, but as adults we have to be intentional to make time for wonder. Not an easy thing but completely necessary.
Mary, Thanks for the reminder to dream. I think God has made us to dream. Somewhere I picked up the idea that fulfillment in life is made of purpose, wonder and worship. God is the provider and focus of each of them. More than one author I have read has presented the idea that God may deny us our dreams, not because they are too big or too whimsical, but because they are too small. Dream bigger, children!
Mary, thanks for encouraging us to dream.
Hi Mary!
Yes, there is so much truth in your statement. Here is hoping we can all hang onto a little bit of the child within each of us.
Take care and stay safe!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Lelia. Always dream BIG!
Hi Trudy,
Yes, your thoughts are so true. Thanks for the sweet comment about Magnolias and Mercy. I appreciate you!
Hi Megan,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I hope we as adults can always find glimmers of wonder in our daily walk.
Hi Lincoln,
I absolutely love this! It’s a great reminder that God is capable of BIG things. Thank you!!
Thank you, Merrillee. Wishing you health and happiness, as well as BIG dreams.
I can totally relate to this! Excellent post! The book sounds wonderful, and I love the cover! 😍
one should never give up on one’s dreams, but we should also take actions to make them come true.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Caitlyn. I appreciate you!
Hi Denise! Such great advice. I totally agree.
I agree with Denise!
Don’t just dream but do your part and pray – God will open doors…or windows 😊
Thank you, For your writing and thoughts both here and your books. The above article was well written and motivating to me.