I have frequent and vivid dreams. I’m unsure what that says about me psychologically, but I could write some good stories from them. For example, did you know that if you run fast at ten years old, bend your knees, and lift your legs, you can fly? It is true in my dreams; it was not true when I tried running and jumping off an elevated concrete slab. I still have the scar to prove it and a vivid memory of the 7Up bottle I landed on.
Most of the dreams involve me rescuing others or others rescuing me. Last night, my dream involved making a list of things I would do if I were young again. I am not sure what the list was in my dream, but this is what it was at 4:30 this morning. Interestingly, my list places God first and family second and has zero to do with finances. If finances had been the deal, I would have bought Microsoft, Walmart, and Apple stock very early. I will be a year older this month, so I wonder what I would change if I could be 50 again? That is for another post! Take time to read my list and give some thought to your list, not to list regrets but to challenge ourselves to put first things first in the rest of the time God grants us upon this earth.
If you are 21, I advise choosing Jesus as your Savior and marrying wisely. Who you marry is the second most important decision of your life.
10. I would have bought some of the farmland in West Virginia, where my dad was raised, not for investment but for sentimental reasons.
9. After four years of active duty and three years in the reserves, I would have stayed in the active Air Force reserves while studying and serving as a pastor.
8. I would have spoken up louder when I saw church leadership making a huge mistake.
7. I would have ignored some denominational leaders and their legalism that trapped me for years.
6. If it had been possible, I would have tried harder to be present with the family when our daughter was killed at 35.
5. I would have spent even more time with my children.
4. I would have built my son a tree house.
3. I would have never missed one birthday of my children because of pastoral ministry.
2. I married Debbie when I was 19 and would do it a hundred times again.
1. By this time, I had made the most important decision: to accept Jesus as my Savior. I would have made the decision sooner.
Have a day overflowing with hope!
Dr. James D. Allen
Overflowinghope180.com
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!
