Rudolph, Clarice, Sam the Snowman, and Hermie the Elf, characters from the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer television special, grace our Christmas tree each year.
These ornaments remind me of simpler, younger days when I would anticipate each December’s showing of this t.v. special in our living room. I would find a spot right in front of the t.v. (but not too close because it could hurt my eyes according to Mom), and soak in the wonder of this show and of Christmas in my young mind.
These ornaments make me smile each Christmas season. But Hermie the Elf… he’s my favorite. Maybe because he reminds me of me.
There’s many a day I feel like a misfit in this world. Just like Hermie.
Often I feel like I don’t fit in. Just like Hermie.
I have a longing and a dream in my heart. Just like Hermie. And I believe God put it there.
I find myself being torn between reality and the dreams God has placed within me. Just like Hermie.
Hermie made toys, but that’s not where his heart rested. Instead, Hermie wanted to be a dentist. (An elf as a dentist??) Please allow me to refresh your memory for two minutes:
It isn’t easy to break out of the mold that’s already been set. Hermie knows that full well. It’s sometimes easier just to keep “going with the flow” and forget about making waves. Often we find it’s less complicated to just do what we’ve always done, or follow the path the someone has already established for us. You might know this full well too.
But, what about that dream God has placed inside of you and me? What if we’re elves making toys (because that’s what’s expected of us or because it’s “normal”), and deep down we want be dentists instead?
We can learn much from an elf.
I’ve been walking through this “want-to-be-a-dentist” experience for the last year or so. Except my desire isn’t to be a dentist; it’s to be a writer and an author. To be an encourager and to breathe belief in suffocating, withering hearts in this world. To be the kind of person for others whom I craved during seasons of discouragement.
The Rudolph story reveals what Hermie did with his desire. But me? I first took these longings to God. I placed them and the desires of my heart in my prayers. I asked God, if they were truly from Him, to well them up big within me. To create a mighty desire inside of me, and to show me my next step. (I’ve learned I don’t need to have the entire journey mapped out for me. I just need to know the next step.) And I continue to pray daily for Him to guide me, to give me wisdom, to open doors that I cannot begin to open, and for help in being obedient to His call.
I then take the next step. Small steps are happening. Moving forward, even in tiny steps, is great progress.
One of my biggest fears is to come to the end of my life on this earth and find I’m filled with regret. Regret for not following the dreams and desires God has placed within me. Regret for not doing what God has called me to do. Regret for following my own ways and not God’s. Regret for not opening myself up to help others…because of fear, busyness, or anything else.
Friend, what dream is deep inside of you? What are the desires of your heart? What is God asking you to do? I urge you to pray for clarity and for God to grow the desire within you. And pray for Him to show you the next step.
I can picture Hermie cheering you and me on, can’t you?
Hermie never gave up on his dream.
And we know at the end of the story, his dream is realized. He becomes a dentist.
I’m praying the same for your dreams and mine as we continue to follow God’s call.
The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 CEB
Blessings,
Julie
Linking this post with Holley for Coffee For Your Heart and Jennifer for #TellHisStory. Stop on over for more encouragement.
Love this! I feel like Hermie a lot too.
Thanks, friend. I’m lifting you in prayer today.
Yes…..I find God is blazing a new trail and it is a bit unsettling at times.
Thanks for the encouragement!!!!
Teresa
A new trail is exciting, and yes, can be a bit unsettling too. Glad we can encourage each other as we journey with Him! Blessings!
Thank you for the trip down memory lane. You are a writer, my friend. Every time I stop by, I am encouraged. You are going in the right direction.
Barbie, thank you. Tears here… I appreciate your words. You are a writer and encourager too. I’m thankful you are a part of my life, sweet friend!
YES! This is so much where I am, dreaming of something different, taking those small steps God places before me, and trying with all my might to trust where He’s leading me. A crazy thing to be an “elf dreaming of being a dentist”- or me, with this big crazy dream God has grown in my heart. Thanks for this encouragement today to keep dreaming and taking steps – and never give up!
Hi Kathryn! Amen… you’ve encouraged me with your words here. Thank you! Never give up. We’re taking steps together. Let me know how I can encourage you in that dream God has placed in your heart! I’m cheering you on, friend!
I needed this this morning, Julie! I, too have a dream of being an author and full-time writer (especially on days like yesterday when my class was full of squirrels instead of students 😉 ). Thank you for the encouragement to lay it all before my Savior’s feet and ask HIM what my next step should be and to change the dream to fit his dream for me.
Oh, Anita. You are an amazing woman. I couldn’t do what you do with students, let alone squirrels! 🙂 I’m praying for you today, and for that beautiful dream God has planted in your heart. I’m thankful we can walk this road of seeking God in these dreams together! Bless you.
Trying to be as brave as Hermie and do that thing that’s in my heart to do – thanks so much for the encouragement. Your neighbour at Tell His Story this week.
I love this post, Julie! I loved that show as a kid {it was fun to take a moment and watch the clip you provided} but I had forgotten about Hermie. Thank you for the reminder, and for what he represents. Good stuff there! I just might need to get a new ornament for the our tree this year 😉