Imagine

How many times a day do you say the word imagine? Am I in the minority if I say it A LOT? "Can you imagine?" Is one of my favorite phrases. Maybe I'm a dreamer. Scratch that- I know I'm a dreamer. My mind is full of dreams for myself, others, wonders, hopes. People often tag the word imagine with kids (or a Beatles song). It's true, kids have a vivid imagination. They can play make believe for hours and pretend to be astronauts or superhero's without taking time to plan or give it much thought- they just do it. But guess what? So do adults. We just don't always realize it.

Our imagination can take us a long way. So often during the day my little mind is working, full of bright ideas and dreams. But how often do I actually pursue them, push them, keep going? Not often enough. I brush them aside, keep working and living my life.

I learned a few years ago how faith filled our imaginations can be. I was having a conversation with one of my favorite nunlettes, Sr. Rochelle. I told her that often times, I suddenly had a new idea or thought, but I was never sure if it was God or just by imagination. I will never forget Rochelle's response "Did God not create your imagination?".

Her answer stuck with me, and I continue to remind myself of that- that sometimes those little thoughts that come out of nowhere are God speaking. That those crazy little ideas actually have some truth in them, and all it takes is for us to listen, and then act.

I have a little example of this- maybe not the best example, but one that came first to my mind.

A few years ago I was applying for a job at my high school. Now, if you know me at all, you know how much I loved my high school. It was my "Dream job". I had been wanting that position to open up, so as soon as it did I sent in my resume and cover letter. I got called pretty quickly for an interview and I was ecstatic. But something in my mind kept saying "this isn't right". I thought it was self negativity, so I just ignored it, went on my interview. I got a second interview. I, again, had those thoughts about the job not being right for me. But I prayed and prayed that I would get it anyways- I needed a job, and I thought I wanted that one. As you all know, I didn't get that job. The initial shock and heartbreak was a tough loss, but just days afterwards it fully hit me- that job WASN'T right for me, and that closed door led me to where I am now. And God knew all along, that wasn't where I belonged.

Do you see how imagination and faith are parallel? So for my fellow dreamers out there, act on your dreams. Listen to your ideas and imaginations. Trust your instincts. Imagine.

I wrote up a little poem of all the things that I think would make this world a better place.

When I imagine a perfect world
I imagine a place with no hate
No violence
Imagine we only spoke kindly
To one another and of ourselves
Imagine worries don't exist
Imagine endless amounts of
energy, compassion, love
Imagine seeing God
in everyone we meet
What I wouldn't give
To live in this world
That I imagine