This summer, one of the things I enjoyed when the weather was nice was sitting on my back patio on a clear night, staring up at the vastness of the sky, at the glimmering lights illuminating in the darkness, daring to dream about the possibilities.
The North Star is almost always visible, and it draws me in with its certainty and assurance of its guiding presence. Because even when all the darkness surrounds, it never fades. It leads me and guides me home even when I have lost my way.
One of the things the girls and I enjoyed over the summer was wandering the furniture store (and let’s be honest, testing mattresses and eating free cookies). On a recent visit, I came across this artwork, displaying the promise of hope: “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
On many of those nights I spent staring up at the stars, I have found myself praying, looking toward the future, dreaming for something bigger than myself. I longed to use my gifts and talents and didn’t want to stay in a place where I felt the clouds were keeping my light in the shadows. I felt such a yearning, such a pull toward an answer that honestly felt right yet terrifying at the same time. In the darkness, I saw the stars pointing the way, the North Star in all its certainty giving me the courage to take the first step.
I knew it took reaching this place of darkness, of solitude, of uncertainty, to see what has been sitting in front of me the whole time. My true north. It’s easy to deny what we know to be true when it feels like a sacrifice, when we know it will be a challenge, when we know it will require a leap of faith far greater than we could have imagined. The fear that sits within me is real, but I know that if I ignore this light that is illuminating in the darkness, if I turn away and head the opposite direction or let my anxiety win, my heart will know I have ignored what is true. What is right. What is good.
So here I am, daring to dream. Speaking my light and words and sharing my vision with some dear friends and loved ones. Speaking your dreams out loud is terrifying and yet gives you the courage and confidence to pursue them. I’m not ready to share my long-term dreams with the world yet, but I know what the next step is for me. Now, I must trust. I must trust in the interim and trust in the Lord to determine my steps and provide the right timing.
Now, I must keep my focus. It’s easy to let my eyes wander to what the light illuminates around me rather than what is right in front of me. It’s easy to want to chase after everything I want all at once rather than trusting the process, knowing that I can’t control every step of the way. I can’t will things to happen or try to make things go on my terms, I must trust and believe. The North Star promises to guide me. Encourages me to take that first step. I can’t be in my own way anymore, I must let go. I must trust in God’s promises and know that He is with me every step of the way.
So today, I am choosing to take the first step of many. To know I am made for great things and that God is going to give me the strength even when it feels hard. I’m taking the leap, knowing that I am not alone in this process. One day at a time. I trust and believe. I dare to dream.
She Speaks True Words 
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