Sometimes I Really Believe

[jmfargo]

Your dreams don't matter.

James was poor. He was very devout, and all throughout his hardships, surviving through winter on the New York City streets for a year and everything that goes along with it, getting back on his feet with a crappy job that he hated but worked at so that he would have a place to live, muggings, and just a generally bad-luck life, he prayed, thanking God for his health, and what little good fortune he had.

Finally, after a few years of this, he prayed; "God, I know this isn't how it works, but I've been devout, and a good person despite all of this. Please, let me win the lottery. I will give half to charity, but just let me win."

A few weeks go by, and he prays the same prayer. "Please, just let me win."

More of the same for months. Each time he gets a little more frustrated, until finally, six months go by. He's still in the same crappy job, living in a hovel, having little to nothing to call his own. "God," he cries, "just let me win, and I'll give 3/4 of it away to charity! I just need some help!"

God actually deigns to answer.

"JAMES," he whispers quietly in his booming voice, "YOU HAVE TO BUY A TICKET FIRST."

***

Your dreams don't matter. It's what you're doing to achieve them that matters. If all they are are dreams, they may as well be dust. If you never put forth any effort, how can you make them come true?

Comments

[akdidge.livejournal.com]

A difference between dreams and goals? Dreams you sit on your butt to achieve, whereas goals you have to work at.

This is a little saying that I live by. ;)

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

That's a good way to look at it. :)