Have you ever been called out about your passions?
Has someone ever questioned your dreams?
If not, you’re probably not dreaming. That’s understandable—and not uncommon. Maybe somewhere in your past, someone or something hurt you so badly that you’ve forgotten how to dream.
If you’ve allowed others’ judgment to take root within you and paralyze you with fear;
Please – take heart.
My 3-year old reminded me this week about why we dream in the first place.
I occasionally play gigs around town. It’s a chance for me to engage my passion and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my own son in the audience. He loves music. Actually, obsessed is probably a more accurate description. It’s no wonder, I’ve been singing to MJ since he was mere months old.
Maybe it was my lack of knowledge on how to be a father or my lack of creativity with ways to entertain a newborn. Either way, it has always been part of our father-son connection. Now, since he’s old enough to join in, we jam together.
MJ air drumming
Liz and I have always intentionally encouraged Matthew to dream, and we’ve provided continuous opportunities for him to engage his passions. We even put on shows, introducing him as he takes the stage, cheering relentlessly after his performance.
Last Christmas, Santa delivered every existing musical instrument for this little boy to enjoy: a drum set, guitar, banjo, harmonica, accordion, ukulele, saxophone, flute, tambourine, steel drum – and what collection wouldn’t be complete without the Australian Didgeridoo?
So what do you think my little guy always takes for his preschool Show-and-Tell?
Music.
His class organizes Show-and-Tell by letter, so when Q was up, MJ led his class in a hearty rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” I mean, hands slapping thighs and all.
When the letter S came around, MJ took his steel drum fresh from St. Lucia; a gift from Uncle Mark and Aunt Katy after their honeymoon to the tropical getaway.
As MJ proudly displayed his newest instrument, one of his classmates asked, “Why do you always bring music stuff?”
Have you ever been in this position, under the spotlight, faced with criticism, all eyes on you?
Now I wasn’t there, so I can’t assume how the question was asked, but from the teacher’s observation, there was a slight note of frustration from the other student. Like, “Ok dude, we get it.” Or better yet, “Why is that your dream?”
That is the type of sting that could cause a paralyzing wound. Maybe keep you from ever dreaming again.
But not MJ. Not this time.
His response echoed a reminder of why we dream in the first place.
“I thought you’d like to dance.”
MJ’s dream wasn’t about himself at all.
He loves music, but he wants to inspire others to dance.
That’s brilliant.
This exchange reminded me of why anyone would pursue living richly.
A rich life leaves a legacy that lasts throughout many generations.
It awakens your soul to create influence that ripples through time and into eternity.
However, your music won’t make everyone dance, and that’s ok too. There will always be those yelling at you to turn it down, or even asking why is this your passion?
The downers. The discouragers. The dream killers.
Never let them stop you.
MJ challenged me and I’ll challenge you:
Sing to the music of your heart; it will move others to dance.
MH
MJ singing
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