New Reminders: Aspirations
by Ardith Hoff
Not to be confused with inspirations, aspirations are the hopes, dreams and ambitions to achieve a certain goal or station in life that a person sets for him or herself. They are often long-term, sometimes lofty, goals such as to become a famous surgeon or to write a best-selling novel. Inspirations, on the other hand, are usually more spontaneous thoughts, feelings or ideas that causes us to want to create something or to simply enjoy something someone else has created. For example, one might be inspired to make a painting after seeing a beautiful sunset or to join a choir after hearing an inspiring concert.
As a teacher, I heard many sixth-grade boys express their aspirations of become famous football players and girls expressing their desire to become famous models or actresses. But as they mature, young people eventually realize that their aspirations need to be realistic. Aspirations can be as mundane as to learn a new skill or trade. Aspirations are meant to make life more meaningful and to provide a purpose for living. Children are usually encouraged to develop a strong desire for success or achievement, to show ambition, to apply their best efforts and to take initiative and to dream big. We also need to encourage them to make wise choices that will make the most of their God-given gifts and talents and that will provide the kind of satisfying life they want to live.
The key is for each of us to align our aspirations with God’s plan for us. God allows us to choose our vocation in life, but if we have dedicated our life to Him, He will lead us by opening the right doors (opportunities) for us to achieve not only our own goals but His as well. Ideally, they are one and the same. In other words, as Jesus taught in 'The Parable of the Talents' in Matthew 25, that high aspirations are a good thing when we use God’s gifts to His glory. If we have been given the gift of sporting ability, however great or small, we can use that gift to honor God. No matter what or who we ultimately become, we can use God’s gifts to live out His plan for us no matter where we are. No matter how we make a living, we can be a good role model. We can be a parent, a Sunday-school teacher, a civic leader, or simply a good neighbor, spreading the Gospel and God’s love to all.
Proverbs 16:3, says: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:9, says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”