This is humbling to admit, but I am not at all the person I thought I would become.

I thought I’d be successful, professional, well-known, accomplished. I thought I’d have a bigger – and much better organized - home, a nicer car, a healthier waistline {ahem}, perfect children. I thought I’d be so much MORE.

Instead, I sometimes find myself feeling more outdated and insignificant with each passing year. I am so blessed to be a stay-home mom to my kids, but if I’m completely honest, sometimes it’s a mixed blessing. Being out of the working world has made me feel like I’ve lost my skills, knowledge, professionalism, relevance. No one gives out “Employee of the Month” awards for wiping noses and bottoms, teaching the fine art of shoe-tying, kissing boo-boos or rocking teething babies to sleep.

If you’ve ever had a dream for your future, you’ve probably felt the pang of disappointment to one extent or another.

We all have hopes, dreams and goals for our lives, some of which are never fulfilled for various reasons. We may outgrow our original goals, cast them aside to chase bigger dreams, or defeat ourselves before we even begin by hiding them away like a secret.  (To be fair, some of our dreams are more realistic than others; that Broadway gig with Julie Andrews was probably a long shot anyway.)  Some dreams might just need to be put on hold until another, more appropriate season. 

Please don’t misunderstand; there is nothing wrong with having goals and a vision for your future.  But when we believe the lie that life is all about bigger, better, richer, or more attractive we will never be satisfied.  There will always be something just out of reach that taunts us.  Life has a way of clouding our perspective. 

When I examine my life through the world’s lens, I’m further from what I wanted than I’ve ever been.  But when I look at my life through God’s eternal perspective, I get a completely different picture.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9, 11

God’s word helps us view our life and circumstances with fresh eyes.  It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the “treasures” of this world will all fade away.  Material possessions, accolades, status, recognition - even your number of blog subscribers or twitter followers – will all cease to matter when we meet Jesus face to face.

When we walk with Christ, we are constantly being changed, stretched, refined.  The exquisite beauty in this mess is that trials, life experiences (good and bad) and time itself can mold a willing heart to become more like Him. When we surrender our will to our Father’s and see life through His eyes, we can become so much more than we ever imagined, in ways that make a real difference in this world. 

His ways are not my ways.  God has been gracious to show me the beauty in that truth time and time again over the years.  Although I’m not what I thought I should be, every day brings me closer to what God intends. 

Life isn’t about perfection.  It’s not about pleasing people.  And it’s definitely not about dying with the most toys. 

When we allow God to write our story, we can fully embrace the beauty in the becoming.  

~ Have you experienced disappointment related to your dreams and goals?  How has God redeemed your story? ~

 {Linking up with Thought Provoking Thursday @ SomeGirl’s Website}

{Linking up with iFellowship Blog Hop @ Seeds of Faith}