Nana’s Crazy Dream
by Jan Ross

 

“Since no man knows the future,
who can tell him what is to come? ?"
Ecclesiastes 8:7

 

nce in a while I have crazy dreams.  Actually, I dream a lot, but sometimes they’re really strange.  But then, there is the occasional dream that speaks to my heart in ways I’ve come to treasure, as if the dream itself was spoken from the heart of God directly to me.  Allow me to share one such dream with you.

* * *

The room was overflowing with family members. All were anxious to learn why we’d called the family together.  Some supposed that one of us was ill.  Others thought perhaps we were planning a family vacation.  One couldn’t be sure what the children were thinking since they were running wildly through the house, taking advantage of being at Nana and Papa’s.

I finally called everyone in to the family room and asked them to sit down.  Although some were a bit hesitant to hear what might be difficult news, they gathered quickly for such a large crew.  I sat on the window seat and Ron came over to sit next to me while all eyes were glued on us.  I cleared my through and began to talk.

“Several months ago we put our names in a drawing to receive an all-expense-paid trip to what was advertised as ‘Dreamland’.  A couple days ago we received a registered letter in the mail telling us we’d won!”

The room lit up with cheers!  They were so thrilled that we could finally take that trip of a lifetime we’d always dreamed about. 

“Where, Mom, Hawaii?” 

“I’ll bet they’re going to the Holy Land!”

“Come on, where you guys going?”

The questions shot like darts from a blowgun.  The excitement built as we tried to calm everyone down to continue.

“Come on, guys.  Let us explain.  What we didn’t know was that ‘Dreamland’ is essentially that – a place we’ve only dreamed about up until now.  We’ve been chosen to enter a time machine to travel 250 years into the future!”

Total silence quenched the steady buzz of chatter throughout room. Our oldest son-in-law was ready to call someone to have us committed. Our youngest daughter rolled her eyes and attempted to cough in order to hide her snickers.  Some of the older grandchildren were giggling; it had been confirmed that Nana and Papa had lost their ever-lovin’ minds. 

Suddenly one of the grandchildren stood to his feet, cleared his throat, and asked, “Nana, can you take this with you?”

He got up and went over to the bookcase and found the World Atlas.  Although it was heavy and cumbersome, he brought it to me.  “Nana, you and Papa take this so you can find your way back. And, don’t forget your Bibles, too.  The Atlas won’t help without your Bible—you need both.”

* * *

The dream ended there but lingered in my mind for hours.  How odd, I thought, that such a dream would end so abruptly with our grandson’s innocent wisdom.  When I had a few moments to myself later that morning, I sat down with my Bible and began to read as the Holy Spirit began to direct my thinking and lead me to understanding.

“For ever, O LORD,
thy word is settled in heaven.”
(Psalm 119:89 KJV)

The Word of God is eternal, forever settled in heaven.  There is no changing God’s Word.  He doesn’t change His mind, neither does he start something without finishing it.  His Word will always be the final authority on any issue and will always be pertinent and applicable.  His Word has been weighed in the balances and its integrity proven.  Even if we were to be catapulted 250 years into the future, the Word of God would be as relevant as it is today. 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.”
(Psalm 119:105 KJV)

The Word of God shows us the way, leads us to eternal truth, and illuminates our path toward heaven as our goal.  Even in the darkness of unknown territories, whether 250 years in the future or in our present circumstances, God’s Word brings light where otherwise darkness would prevail.  Without the light of God’s Word, our todays would be as dark and mysterious as our tomorrows or 250 years in the future.  The Word of God is an eternal light that pervades time and space and generations and time machines.

“Order my steps in thy word:
and let not any iniquity have
dominion over me.”
(Psalm 119:113 KJV)

The Word of God establishes our path, keeps us from sin, and gives us guidelines for safe passage through this life.  Just like the World Atlas, but even greater!  The Word of God will show us the most expedient route to completing our journey, fulfilling our destiny, and bringing glory to our God.  By following the well-documented paths of righteousness, the Word of God leads us through this life’s journey no matter where we are, no matter under what circumstances we find ourselves, and regardless what roadblocks or mountains or valleys we pass through. 

I absolutely love being a Nana to fourteen incredible grandchildren.  This dream reminds me how often their innocence reveals the simplicity of the plan of God revealed in our lives.  We want to make it complicated.  But, all we need is a Bible (and, of course, an Atlas) and we can go anywhere knowing it’s not what our futures hold, it’s Who holds our future. 

My heart was overwhelmed as I began to understand the wisdom of God pouring into my heart through the silly little dream.  I’ll never look at an Atlas or my Bible the same way again as they now serve as constant reminders that whatever the future holds, I am loved with an everlasting love from my grandchildren and my Creator!

 

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© Jan Ross
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