“A Pocket-sized Dream that Became Real”
"One of these days is none of these days,” says an Amish proverb. Often heard are, “One of these days, I hope to see New England’s fall colour,” or “One of these days, I will enroll in a painting class,” or “One of these days, I will take up cross-country skiing.” “One of these days” might sound like an excuse, a dragging of one’s feet, but did not God give us our feet to walk forward, even though we don’t know how? I remember youthful dreams hoping to ride a horse, learning to play the banjo, writing a book, or taking tap dancing lessons. Years later, one particular dream for me would become real.
It’s not always a breeze for me being both a pastor’s daughter and a pastor’s wife. Having experienced a mysterious mix of sadness and gladness at every church I have been a part of, I tried to wrap my head around why it wasn’t more like living in the Promised Land. I struggle with the disparity between the uphill battle of clergy life and the happy church life that I still dream of living. I was led gently to unearth something valuable. My discovery was that, with the right outlook, there can be a close connection between disappointments and hopeful dreams. It seemed possible that an encumbered heart can walk over and shake hands with a hopeful heart, simply because they are next-door neighbours. They are near-at-hand to help one another put the pieces back together. With God’s prompting, I used my life of unwanted church disappointments to create a treasure trove of humour that completely lacked any excuses not to be told.
It started one rainy afternoon as my husband and I shopped at a thrift store. While in line to pay, I glanced at the interior of the glass case located underneath the cash register. Most items were cast-off jewellery, but nestled within the strands of a faux pearl necklace was a small ceramic mouse with big bubble gum pink ears and thickly-framed eyeglasses. Sporting a gent’s outfit, he was seated in an arm chair clutching a book. From his winsome smile it was easy to reckon that he was keen on reading this amusing book. Somehow, this mouse with a one-dollar price tag adhered to the top of his head just had to come home with us. While we were on our way, I held him. By the time we arrived home he had a name and a purpose. That day a hidden ambition was uncorked within me that cascaded into a seven-year undertaking I had not seen coming. Never could I have imagined that a pocket-sized ceramic mouse that I named Finley Newcastle would open up a door that led me to compose a trilogy of books thoroughly spiced with church humour. The books are a fictional journal written by Finley, a church mouse observing the goings on at a small-town church and its parsonage next door.
I packed Finley’s Tale with heartaches turned humorous. Clergy and their families radiate joy and peace, but cloaked underneath are hurts and disappointments. These are not easily shaken off, because when you share the burdens of many people and care for them, so much of that sticks to your own soul and weighs it down. At one point in my second book, Finley observes the pastor coming to his wife with a list of two-hundred and seventy-two different excuses. He had collected these when talking to parishioners as to why they cannot attend church, take on a position, or volunteer, such as, “I like my church and you, Pastor. I just don’t like the people!” She began reading the list, but at excuse one hundred and forty-four she stopped reading. To encourage him, she warmly suggested that he begin recording a “Gratefulness List.” He was not quite sure what she meant, so she explained that it involves being ever watchful for what fills him with thankfulness. Some solid examples she suggested were love, being alive, good health, daily bread, children, a home, time, nature, and the support of others. Her last example was to point out the God-given opportunity he has to serve as a pastor. It was not long before he picked up a pencil and began his gratefulness list. Starting with his wife’s suggestions, he continued on by mentioning faith in God, fearlessness, abundant energy, living a life of significance, making positive changes, taking on challenging tasks, expressing oneself, living life confidently, and valuing each day. This simple switch in direction replaced discouragement with thankfulness.
It was therapeutic to compose these stories while recalling God’s grace flowing through our own experiences in our own parishes. But, could I actually write a book? There was a foreboding that I should just let the dream evaporate, an apprehension that could have easily squashed my dream. On the other hand, I was certain that if I began writing I would be able to warm up my cold feet of uneasiness. Moving forward, I prayed. One solid piece of advice inspired me as I wrote. I thought of an old film we once watched where teenager Katrin had dreams of becoming an author. After numerous submission rejections, Katrin remembers her mama seeking out an experienced author who happened to also be interested in gastronomy. In exchange for a recipe for Norwegian meatballs with cream sauce, she gained valuable advice for her daughter: “Write about what you know.” I hit the computer keyboard running, watching my thoughts and fingers fly. I kept these wise words in the forefront of my mind while writing about what I know best of all: church musings. It was then that I knew that the tables had turned on my trepidations.
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) says, “Do not despise these small beginnings for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Faith starts with nothing, but God does miracles with it! A fresh outlook helped me grasp those little-known aspirations that patiently waited for a tiny nudge to make them come alive. To make a dream reality, it helps to sweep away the excuses and the mindset of “One of these days.” Even though your dream might be pocket-sized, listen to it. It might not seem dramatic, but it will tug at your heart strings. Pray for God’s guidance while you navigate away from the excuse of “One of these days” to the challenge of stepping forward into your dream. Throughout the journey God will refresh you with both blessings and a bountiful amount of glorious surprises!
