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When you become
pregnant, initially the baby cannot be seen, even though
it is there. As your baby begins to grow, you still
may not look pregnant--just a little larger. Increasing
in size is just the beginning of the growing pains,
there are many more discomforts you will experience
along the way--nausea, headaches, fatigue, heartburn,
constipation, swelling, mood swings and backaches just
to name a few.
But, some women manage to go through
their pregnancies with grace. They don't moan and complain
about the changes and look as bad as they feel. They
exude a radiant glow and have a satisfied smile on their
face. What's their secret? They are expectant mothers.
The expectant
mother focuses on the end result--the beautiful
baby that's growing in her womb. The growing pains don't
discourage her. Instead, the growing pains remind her
of the miracle that is taking place. The pains are evidence
of new life. And she is excited!
God has given each of
us a dream and a purpose. A seed of great potential has been
planted inside of us. Our job is to nurture that seed and
allow it to grow. Eventually that tiny seed turns into something
that will go out in the world and impact it for the kingdom
of God.
Unfortunately, unlike natural childbirth, the incubation
period for our dreams varies. Don't be disappointed if it
takes much longer than nine months to see your dream manifest.
Although no one knows exactly when your "baby" will
be born, there are signs that let you know how far along you
are and how close you are to delivery.
Your Dream--The First
Trimester
- You have an idea. It's sketchy at best and your not exactly sure what the
total picture looks like.
- The idea makes your
status quo uncomfortable. It makes you want to change--everything
(habits, associations, old ways of thinking, et cetera).
- The idea makes you
tired. You are hard at work doing the research and laying
the foundation to give your dream life.
Your Dream--The Second
Trimester
- The idea has taken
on its form-even though it is still very small-all the essential
components are there.
- The idea is affecting
all of the other areas of your life (work, finances, relationships,
et cetera). because it requires much for growth. People
notice that something new is happening with you.
- The idea is showing!
It's forcing you to get new stuff. What used to work for
you, doesn't work anymore. It just doesn't fit. You may
be purchasing equipment, services and other resources to
accommodate your dream.
Your Dream--The Third
Trimester
- The idea is putting
pressure on you. It's getting so big now; you begin making
plans to expand. No more working from your home office and
you might need to start looking for a new location--just
to house your vision.
- You have just experienced
a major breakthrough and you need the help of an expert. You will probably have to acquire the services of a professional
to help you deliver the "baby." This may be a
CPA, an agent, an investor or someone who is well acquainted
with expansion.
- The idea is making
you push. This is the time where you must help yourself.
There is work to be done that cannot be delegated--you must
do it yourself. The pain and discomfort is severe, but you
are s-o-o-o-o-o-o close. Just one more try, one more phone
call, one more presentation, one more (you fill in the blank)
and your dream will be born.
Remember, the joy to come
outweighs any present pain. The expectant mother keeps her
eyes on the final result. Be encouraged. Your dream or vision
will come to pass.
John
16:21
When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no
getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy
in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory
of the pain. (The Message)
Today's Life Principle:
Be expectant and stay focused on the end result.
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