Good - Things

Last night, I had yet another bizarre dream with meaning. After a very exhausting day of work and working on a class project, I unwound with an episode of the Good Witch followed by an episode of Stranger Things before going to bed. It was obvious, to me anyway, that elements of both shows made it into my dream – vodka, strawberry slushies, overwhelming, life-threatening fear, and Sam – well, a Sam-like character. It also had a Three Bears element to it.

To make a long and confusing story short, a gang was after me, and threatened to hurt me if I did not do what they demanded of me. I was terrified. I wanted so desperately to talk with someone.

The first person I sought readily agreed to come talk with me. He even left a meeting to be with me. However, as soon as we walked into his office, there were numerous people waiting to talk with him. It was obvious that he was distracted. He kept telling me to hold on while he dealt with one issue after another. He kept looking toward me to let me know that he had not forgotten about me, but the demands of so many others kept him from being able to give me his undivided attention.

Another friend walked by. She has been one of my dearest confidants. I told the man not to worry about it. I would talk with my other friend. She not only agreed to talk with me, but she was willing to go somewhere else so we could talk in private.

However, she only followed me a short distance. She was willing to be somewhat disengaged for my sake, but she did not want to go too far – just in case. I was able to share part of my story, but then someone else came along needing to talk with her. I could see she was torn. I could see the other person was trying to be patient and not disturb us, but the other person’s presence was enough to disturb the both of us. I told her it was okay. She could see to the needs of the other person. I would be okay.

As I continued walking down this long hall, I became further and further isolated from everything and everyone else. I soon realized I was in this empty, unused kitchen area. There were no signs that anyone ever came here. I looked around. There was empty space all around me. Even the walls and cabinets were bare. Nothing. I was all alone.

I felt so very alone. I sat, defeated, on one of the long benches and bent my head, sobbing. I needed someone to talk with, but I was so very alone. I felt empty, lost, scared, had no idea what to do.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw another man walking toward me with briefcase in hand. It was obvious he had no idea I was there and he was simply walking by. However, when he saw me, he stopped and asked if I was okay.

I looked up and said no. I never even tried to still or silence my sobs.

He looked genuinely concerned. He asked me when I last cried like that. I told him I could not remember.

He set his briefcase down, walked up right behind me, grabbed the back of my head and kissed the back of my head. He told me that was a shame. Tears are good. They cleanse and heal the heart.

Then, he walked around the bench and sat down right beside me. Looking directly at me, he asked me what was wrong. I shared with him the whole, sad story. As I talked, his focus remained solely on me. He never took his eyes or his attention off me. This person, who is usually easily distracted, was fully present.

After I shared my story, he asked a simple question – what if I refused to do what they demanded I do? What then?

I said they might kill me.

He said, maybe they won’t. Then, he repeated Will Smith’s words about fear from the movie, After Earth.

After Earth - Fear is not Real: https://youtu.be/wSKzLtRzY78

I haven’t been able to get this dream out of my head. As I talked it over with God this morning, two lessons came out of it:

1. Remember how the me in the dream felt when those I needed were not fully present for me. If someone comes to me and is in need, BE FULLY PRESENT.

2. I may love the Good Witch because I want a Sam in my life. Part of the dream was wishful thinking that someone would look at me “the way Sam looks at Cassie.” The other part was a reminder that I already have that in Jesus. No matter how others may fail me, He will never leave nor forsake me. He will always give me His full and undivided attention. 

I often end my talks with God with “thank You for loving me.” Then, quite naturally, the Bon Jovi song of the same name pops into my head. As I contemplate some of the lyrics, I wonder if he wrote it as a love song or, if like the Song of Songs, it is a love prayer in disguise.

Bon Jovi, Thank You for Loving Me https://youtu.be/h6-Y1WIkaYY