Begin with the end in mind

I have been doing a lot of soul searching as of late. In cooking we have this saying,  "Begin with the end in mind." Also known as mise en plase (or as I like to call it, mess in place), it refers to the need to have all of the ingredients prepped out and ready to rock before beginning the cooking process. That way if the recipe says to immediatly add onions, the cook isn't scambling to cut onions while trying to keep the rest of the food at its optimal point. This is also why the advice is always given to read the recipe through once before even starting to prep for it. That way, you know what you need, how much you need of it, and how long the process will take. Begin with the end in mind.

I have been working through a book about being the right person in my own life so that when the man God has promised to me (and reminded me of constantly for the last four years, thank you prophetic entourage) shows up in my life I will be able to attract and notice him. Being present in my own life has always been a challenge for me because my dreams are so much bigger than I am. Still, if I never acknowledge them and start working towards them, they never will materialize.

My workbook suggested I write a list of all my life goals and slowly build a collection of pictures to symbolize each of my goals throughout the journey. Being a Real Simple reader, I got out my magazines and began to cut pictures that resonate with the dreams I have of the life I want to lead. Something transformative has taken place in the process of glue, scissors, and paper. I am starting to live my goals as naturally as breathing. I think I am starting to believe in the beauty of my own dreams.

I have written out a lifetime's worth of goals. Everything from present aspirations, work, friends, family, and leaving an inheritance are included. It's a beautiful dream, one I hope I can fully realize. The best part is that it's mine. I don't feel like I am faking it anymore. I know what I want, and that may be the hardest part of the process for me. At the end, I want to look Jesus in the eye and say, "We lived a beautiful dream together, you and I." I want him to say back to me, "Your life is scrumptious." That's my well done. And I know it will be wonderful because I will have been present for my life.

May you begin with the end in mind knowing that the dreams in your heart were put there by heaven to invite you to the river of delight. All of my love.