Dear Disney,
I’ve been wrestling with questions about my future lately (which is common for me)—questions about what major is the best option, what kind of career I’m going to have, when I’m going to get married and have kids, etc.
Of course, I have my life figured out in my head—you did tell me to dream big, after all.
I want to earn a degree in marketing. I want to become a published author within five years after I graduate from college. I want to write for Christian magazines or websites. I want to get married by the age of 25 and have kids by the age of 30. I want to maintain a beautiful home that’s close to my parents. I want to have three kids and maybe even a pet. I want to work from home while I take care of my husband and kids. But truth be told, my expectations are probably too high—and I blame you for that.
Not as Perfect as a Disney Movie
Disney, all I know is that you make life seem perfect. In your movies and TV shows, life is exciting and full of adventure. It includes trips to Paris and falling in love and getting paid to write poetry.
As a result of the wish-upon-a-star-and-your-dreams-will-come-true messages that you’ve sent over the past century, countless little girls have formed unrealistic expectations—expectations that only lead to disappointment. These little girls discover later in life that traveling to Paris is incredibly expensive, falling in love is often preceded by painful heartbreaks, and getting paid to write poetry is super unlikely.
Unlike what you’ve taught us in fairytales, our dreams don’t always come true.
So Disney, what if I don’t get a marketing degree? What if I don’t become a famous author? What if I never write for a popular magazine or website? What if I work at the same boring company for 30 years and sit at a desk all day? What if I live in a tiny apartment by myself? What if I don’t get married until I’m 40? What if I can’t have children?
What if my dreams don’t come true?
Our Fleeting Dreams
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV)
Solomon warned his son about the follies of life, including marriage, work, and pleasure. He knew that this life would pass away. But he also knew what wouldn’t pass away.
Disney, I wish you understood how fleeting our dreams are. Some will become realities, but some will fade as distant memories. I’m not saying that it’s sinful to dream—but if chasing those dreams becomes more important than pursuing God’s will, then it is sinful.
God knows best, Disney—so much better than you do. Our dreams may not come true, but we can learn to accept that reality as we follow God’s will for our lives. That is our unchanging purpose.
Reminder: Last week, I posted about a giveaway for a free e-book—The Best of Tizzie’s Tidbits—so check out that post if you’re interested in getting the e-book!
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 