Perseverance, Disappointments, Dreams, Hard Work, and Rewards

You may look at the title of this post and wonder how all of those words can fit into the same title.
It is like this, we all have those dreams as children, of what we'd  like to be as we grow up. We daydream of what it will be like when we are doctors, nurses, teachers, and guitar players. Many of us learned at an early age, those dreams will not come true unless we work hard. Regardless what you desired to be, it took hard work to get there. It took never giving up on our dream. It took realizing very few are just "gifted" into a profession.
When I was pregnant with our son, my husband and I would sing to the baby every day that we could. My husband would play guitar. When he played, the baby would "dance" in my belly. It used to amaze us.  I am not a very large person in size. So to see that baby moving in my belly was amazing all in itself.
We used to wonder what he or she would be when grown. A nurse like me, or a guitar player like my husband. Or something totally different.
Our son was 4 years old when he first showed interest in the guitar. He would try to play along with my husband. The more he played, the more he asked for a "real" guitar. Needless to say, my husband was thrilled. But we could see something in our son that made us think this was real. We had those dreams of him playing before thousands. But we always prayed that he would grow up to do what the Lord desires for him to do.
My husband began teaching our son, in a more detailed manner, when he was 8 or 9. He did have his own "grown up" electric guitar. We impressed on him, if you want to play guitar, and be good at it, then you must practice everyday. He took the things my husband taught him, and he practiced everyday. Sometimes falling asleep on his bed, with his guitar still strapped to him. He wanted to be used in this way by God. He practiced, he was discouraged at times, he heard some critics asking him what real job would he have. But he also was encouraged, and was blessed many times throughout the years, as he was obedient to God. 
Our son went to college to learn more about the music business and take more detailed guitar lessons. We always encouraged him and believed in him. As a parent that never stops.
Eventually our son chose to move across country to attend a church and a school that ministered to young adults. He wanted to be sure he was doing what God would have him do. It wasn't long, a few weeks at the most, he was playing for worship. Then that moved into a larger role, eventually traveling around the world. He met his wife there as well. He was actually one of her teachers.
They decided to make the move to Nashville.
My husband and I were seeing our dreams for our son producing fruit. Our son continued to believe God would use him. He never quit. He continues to this day to persevere, and practice. As a musician in Nashville, to play at the Grand Ole Opry is a dream. And as parents, we definitely would dream about such an opportunity.
This past week that dream came true for our son. He had the tremendous honor of playing on the Grand Ole Opry. And as his parents, we couldn't be more proud, and humbled. God has a plan, He has always had a plan for his life.
My friends, it is okay to dream those dreams. Whether those dreams start at an early age, or they come later, dream. Along with those dreams, we must pray and seek the Lord's guidance. We must work hard, and never give up. Persevere, run that race. Yes there will be hardships, disappointments, and even critics. But when you serve God with all hour heart, and follow Him, then He will direct your path, guide your steps, and reward you.
Our son has been rewarded for his faithfulness to God, and his hard work along the way. Even though this dream came true for our son, he must continue to dream and set goals. It is important for all of us to continue to dream and set new goals.
My husband and I are nearing a new stage in life, retirement. It is still a few years away. But we are now dreaming about that stage in life. It is exciting to dream together, and to go through the stages of life together and with God paving the way.
Dream those dreams. Set those goals. And enjoy the journey along the way. God has special blessings and surprises at each stop. It is exciting!
Hebrews 12:1-[ The Call to Endurance ] Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith,