The Dreamer

Since I was a kid in the hospital, with nothing to do, I’ve enjoyed a good maze.  I enjoyed solving mazes so much, that when I was older, I would draw my own.  To me, a maze, like a labyrinth, is a representation of life’s journey.  The first time I solved a maze in a dream was quite significant – it started me on a personal study of dreams and their meanings.

In fact, like many, I am fascinated by dreams.  To me, dreaming is like going to the movies, but a whole lot cheaper!  I love to dream and I love the revelations that sometimes emerge.  In fact, in my reading, I learned that many great inventions were the result of dreams.  And many people who have been stuck by problems were able to find solutions while dreaming.

During the past week, as I’ve experienced fever and chills, and then with the addition of a powerful antibiotic a few days ago, I’ve been dreaming a lot.  Probably no more than normal, but because of the wakefulness, I’ve been more conscious of the dreams.  One time though, The Wife was so concerned by my erratic breathing, that she checked my pulse and then woke me up.  It’s been a week of sweating, sleeping, and dreaming.

Today I was reading an article in the New York Times about Learning While You Dream.  The article reminded me specifically of a PC-based video game I used to play.  Descent was perfect for me, because it was a 3D puzzle with 27+ levels – plus the challenge of the game.  It took me several months to get through all the levels, and often I would dream space mines and robots during that time.  For me, it was a great escape.  But it solidified the part that dream played in solving problems.  This NYT’s article, and the study mentioned, was a replica of my experience!

Dreaming gives me the freedom to be what I am becoming!”

Dreaming is a safe, adventurous way to experience the realities of life, in a fantastic venue.  I learned a long time ago to take control of my dreams and change their outcomes – I’ve not had a nightmare since.  Beyond puzzles and fantasy video games, I learn most about social situations, an area where I seem to lack skill.  Dreaming gives me the freedom to be what I am becoming.

I don’t know why we were created to dream, but I certainly know that I’m a lot happier – and successful – when I dream.  In fact, despite this infection, I really enjoyed my sweat-laden dreams this past week.  Healthy living, serenity, and a good night’s sleep allow me the space to dream.  New research backs up a long-held assumption, and previous anecdotes, that dreaming helps me navigate the proper course.  It’s also an awesome creative outlet!

Fiery Furnace *revised*

Last year, about this time, when I realized I was entering into the end-game of a controversy I was involved in, I clung to Bible texts that promised to see me through the struggle.  In those stories, and their retelling, we always hear about those who came out well on the other-side, but our teachers rarely tell us about those who didn’t survive their, um, “encounters.”

So, I was left a little confused last Fall when I found myself without a job and burning through savings and a very real possibility of losing our house – the home we believe God provided for us.  Confused, mystified, and more than a little demoralized – I was just trying to put it all into focus.

Passing The Test yesterday, left me more than a little exhausted – it left me feeling strangely empowered.  It was a strange feeling because I haven’t felt it in a couple of years.

Then I remembered Job’s story, and Joseph’s – neither of their stories were short and both were painful.  In addition, of the hundreds of stories, not all of them turned out well, and most were quite painful.  While I always knew this intellectually, it really settled in over the last few days.  While the boys in the Fiery Furnace went in willingly, didn’t complain, and came out without even a hint of smoke in their clothes, Jacob ended life with a limp, Job was left with deep scars on his heart, and Jeremiah was sawed in half.

Some will tell you that “the safest place on Earth is in the center of God’s will.”  Don’t believe that for a moment.  Ultimately, it is the most peaceful place to be, but as far as life on this Earth is concerned, it certainly isn’t “safe.”

Overall, as we begin to emerge from this Fiery Furnace (and don’t get me wrong, it ain’t over!), I know we’ll be OK.