The Dream That Wasn't Supposed to Be

In college, it was never a dream of mine to be single at 30 and live in a room and to be busy working many jobs, none of which "pay" in the traditional sense.  I just assumed I'd be married by now, with kids and a home with a pretty fence and a yard and a hamster.  What I didn't know then that I know now is that I'm so glad that "dream" wasn't really MY dream. It was what I assumed every woman's dream was.  Now, 12 years later, I am just beginning to live my dream.  I wouldn't reverse any of my life to get where I am now.  Not a chance.

As life continues to unfold for me, I believe the Lord has been preparing me for something. I believe these 12 years have been preparation.  I've lived simply and now I can't imagine living any other way.  I'm still sorting this out and have no idea what this will look like or how it will all unfold, but I can tell you this - I don't want the American dream.

As a woman I appreciate pretty things - I was created to nurture beauty so of course I love beauty!  I appreciate that we as women get excited about pretty dresses, matching living room sets, a fun array of shoes, etc. Nothing wrong with that...however, I'm realizing I want to create beauty differently. I want to leave a different legacy not in what I wear or own, but in what I give away.  In how I steward my finances, my relationships, and even resources here on planet earth.  

I am asking the Lord, as I look at living options, how can I continue to live simply while stewarding well and at the same time creating beauty in a radical way?  

Lots of things are stirring inside of me...this is a new perspective for me and I'm brimming to see how the Lord unfolds this for me. I am so glad I'm living the dream that "was never supposed to be the dream."