The Pain of {Fallen} Dreams

Have you seen Disney’s Tangled? I know this is a strange way to start off a post with the above title, but if you’ve seen the animated movie {the story of Rapunzel}, you probably know what I’m getting at here. In the flick, Rapunzel yearns to see the “floating lights,” which happen to be lighted paper lanterns let loose in the sky once every year. It’s her ultimate dream to see the lanterns up close & experience their magic. Here’s one of the songs from the film that’s all about dreams…


Fact is, we all have dreams. Some dreams we vocalize to all who are within ear shot, & other dreams we lock away. Some dreams we keep even from ourselves – dreams way down deep. But, what about when dreams fall flat? What about dreams that don’t come true? To quote the song, “I had a dream… once,” but it didn’t come true. I worked hard for it - did my best to do my part to help it come true. But, it must not have been meant to be, because it fell apart and scattered with the wind… & it left me disappointed, hurt, jaded, & uncertain about life. What was I to do now? I had built up my dream with faith it would come through, but been disappointed. Now what? I felt lost.

It felt like the doors were all closing - shutters, too. Why was God allowing this? I would have accepted an open window and a ladder, but it felt like nothing was coming my way. In addition I felt horrible for feeling this way. Innumerable blessings were still mine. So many people in the world had it far worse than I, but I couldn’t shake the pain of my broken dream.

Learning to hold on to Jesus when dreams shatter is a journey. I’m still on it. He has the count to my tears. He understands my hurt. He is still working behind the scenes. Those of us in the fallen dream club have to hold on to that. Dreams won’t always come true, but God will never fail us. Even when we feel forgotten & hopeless, He is there, working on restoring our brokenness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

-Romans 8:28 NIV

One day we will "see the light" as to why things happen as they do.  Perhaps it will not be until we see our Savior face to face in Heaven.  However, we can be certain He is working for our good.  Knowing all this gives a whole new light to the song below...

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: You can dream again.  No guarantees, but most dreams are worth the risk.