A dream is a wish your heart makes

In 1985 I decided my dream car was a red Pontiac Fiero. I was seven.

But even at the age of seven I knew two thing for sure: (1) the Fiero was the hottest car on the market (it had a cassette tape deck people!) and (2) the car was going to still be as cool in ten years as it was when I got my first model of it in 1985.

(The Fiero—meaning "proud" in Italian and "wild", "fierce", or "ferocious" in Spanish)

I turned out to be wrong on both accounts.

But, more importantly, my dream changed. And it wouldn't be the first time. By middle school I had fallen in love with writing. I would write short stories, I would write entire series with in-depth character development. And, as my parents would agree, I was pretty good at arguing. I knew that meant I should be a lawyer. A new dream took shape.

My plan until freshman year of high school was to go to Harvard Law and then start my own firm. Power suits, breifcases, hair pulled back in a tight bun - that was the future I envisioned. But again, my dreams changed when I took the risk and submitted my writings to the editor of the school's monthly student newspaper. I was accepted on the staff and began to realize I might have the gift.

Over the next decade I saw my dream through to become a journalist. My writing would earn me scholarships and several contests. I received my degree with a major in journalism in May 2000. I had quite a portfolio when I graduated.

It's been another decade since journalism was my dream. Again, the path of my life would reveal dreams I never expected. Being a wife and eventual mother became more important than my professional goals, or the hope of attaining material wealth. Ultimately, my goal now is to be more in tune with what the Lord wants for me. It's been up to Him all along.

A white Pontiac Fiero was parked in front of my office today as I left for home. I was struck by a few things: (1) how much my dreams had changed from when I was the seven-year-old who couldn't wait to drive a red sports car, (2) God knows how off base some of our desires can be and (3) I still had a thing for a small sports car with flip-up headlights.

There's a time a place for certain dreams. My stuff wouldn't fit in a Fiero now anyway, and it's been years since I sold my Bon Jovi cassettes at a garage sale.