I know this sounds harsh but bear with me. Let me explain. I recently saw a documentary about a particular ethnic group and the struggles and triumphs they uniquely faced. A memorable part of this presentation was the highlights made of successful individuals who are doing phenomenal, unusual, impactful, insightful, undeniable, incredible work in their particular areas of passion.

What makes these individuals so impressive is that they are operating in fields that are common place but doing their work in an uncommon manner. The contrast between the norm and what they are doing is so stark, it almost seems implausible.

What each one of these successful people have in common is a belief that more could be done if they fully engaged in their passion. Fully engaged does not mean just showing up and punching the clock and hoping for the best. Being fully engaged to them means that they personally invest huge amounts of themselves into the success of their passion.

They dream big and work just as hard as their dreams demand. They see potential in others that can only be realized if they themselves tap into their own potential. They see that if they dream bigger than what they see in the mirror and work harder for the success of others, their own fulfillment comes as a sweet reward.

I wonder how things would be if we could duplicate their efforts of dreaming big and working big? I wonder what things would be like if this was the norm and not the exception? I wonder what would happen if we, who feel like we’ve identified our passion, would get all the way in…or get out of the way?

Here comes the harsh part; if we’re not going to do what it takes, and fully commit, then we should move out of the way and give someone else a chance. Too much is at stake for us to just “mail it in”. It comes down to making a conscious decision of commitment.

I believe that if God put a dream, passion, or ministry in your heart, He expects you to do it in a manner that testifies to its divine origin. Phenomenal, unusual, impactful, insightful, undeniable, incredible work should describe our efforts, even if our work is not public.

The Apostle Paul, speaking of the enabling power of God’s love says “Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”  Ephesians 3:19, 20 The Message Bible

If they can do it, why can’t we? Let’s get in…but all the way in.

We hear a lot about dreams these days. Many of us have envisioned ourselves in a future time and place doing something that feels organic to who we really are. Some of our dreams are entrepreneurial. Some of our dreams are vocational. Some of our dreams are locational. Whatever category we may classify our dreams in; they all find their common denominator in the future.

Sleep walking, on the other hand, is going through the motions of counsciousness while in an uncounscious state. A sleep walker is unaware of their actions because they are asleep while walking. They might appear to be awake, but they are oblivious to their actions or surroundings.

While our dreams bring us satisfaction in pre-tasting our finest hours, I wonder if we are guilty of sleep walking through just as meaningful moments in time and missing just as satisfying opportunities as our dreams promise us? Are we awake to present realities or really just asleep and going through the motions?

Today, there is something special for you to be a part of. It might not feel like it’s related to your dream but it may lead to helping someone else experience their dream today. Whatever you are storing up to one day realize your dream is greatly multiplied by putting the best of you into whatever you find yourself doing today.

Giving the best that we have, in the best way we know how, is all that we are asked to do. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

We can’t risk waiting on a future dream while neglecting our present opportunities because tomorrow is not promised.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”- when you now have it with you. Proverbs 3:27, 28 NIV

Let’s grab every opportunity we can to make a difference in the lives of others. Yes, that might entail entrepreneurial endeavors or vocational achievements or a change of location but each step along the way is just as vital as the final step. We can’t afford to sleep walk through this life.

Well, time to get back to work. No time for sleeping.