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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9 NIV

I love this photograph today! I am thinking that this little boat is as proud as the two bigger boats to its side. This dream materialized! It begins with an idea, saving money, gathering resources, finding a way. Praying that our hearts desire is God’s Will. And then it all comes together. Not easily though. It means there is great effort, time and toil to see the results. I don’t know the story of these boats, but the little one I could identify with. I think having good role models helps and this little boat is keeping great company! While this little boat probably can’t reach the depths of the sea as the bigger ones, nothing stopped him from taking his rightful place amongst the fleet.

Aren’t we like this too? We all have dreams. Something to look forward to. In our minds, the dream is a reality. We can visualize it. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but the dream can never be taken away. We revise it, alter it, re-work it to make it fit into our finances. But ultimately it is God who gives us the green light to proceed or slows us down to a snail’s pace when He has something else in mind. Sure, we can “make it happen” and go out ahead of God and give praise to ourselves for being so smart. But I would never want to step out without God by my side. God orders our steps. Each and every one.

Dreams? Yes, do dream. Keep your heart open to new ideas, new things to do and try. When I think of having an art gallery one day, my heart quickens. And when I think of sitting on a porch of a newly purchased beach cottage named “Reflections by the Sea” I become giddy. Those things aren’t in the picture but they are in my heart. Include God in your dreams and who knows what He can or will do. Remember the little boat. Not all dreams are the same size, but the boat started off as a dream in someone’s heart. Write down your dreams and put them in a safe place and reflect and pray often over them. It helps to make you feel alive to live hopeful.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her new book, Reflections by the Sea, visit betsyoreglass.com.

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