I have a vision for my life and future that I know is within my reach. My life right now, does not fit that vision. But, as stated by the brilliant C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” That’s a good thing. Because I’m sure there are many people who might think that my chance has passed me by – for the family I’ve dreamed of or for the career I want to spend the rest of my working life doing. But I’m unwilling to give up hope that life can look like I’ve always dreamed and hoped it would.

I’m never more convinced of this now, even as grief settles in, that what I’ve been through is the foundation for an amazing future. The dreams aren’t really all that new. But the goals and path to get there are looking a little new. Seeing how quickly life changes and how very sad it is to see a life wasted (multiple lives wasted, now that I think about it) the more determined I am to make it all count. I’m even more determined now to chase those dreams.

The goals and plans we have for our lives may not always follow a linear path. We can get sidetracked or thrown off course when the realities of life settle in. That’s certainly true for me. The question is, what do you do when you’re thrown off course? Do you give up? Walk away? Assume the closed doors are a sign? Or do you get up, brush yourself off, and start again? Could there be a time when God, the world, your own body or heart are telling you it’s time to give it up? Sure. But that’s not where I’m at anyway. Giving up and walking away because of adversity is a horrible idea. So, let me encourage you as I give myself a boost – if it’s still on your heart, it’s there for a reason.

Go after it. I am.