Martin Luther King Jr. and Grandparents Have Important Dreams

Dreams

I’m not trying to steal Martin Luther King Jr.’s thunder. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. As a former history teacher I loved telling my students about him, especially his “I have a dream speech.” He was such a powerful speaker and a great motivator to those involved in the Civil Rights movement.

He made a difference. Because he lived, he made a difference.

That’s what I want. I don’t mean on the same scale as MLK. But when it comes to my family and my small sphere of people, I want to make a difference.

Grandparents are all individuals and so I do not speak for ALL grandparents, only for myself. I also know that my dreams are the dreams of an older and wiser me, not the young and foolish girl who didn’t realize or appreciate just how good a life she had and how hard her parents worked to give it to her.

Dreaming

I dream of a world where love is always the answer no matter what the question is. A world where discussion and compromise are always chosen over war. A place where ALL children are loved, cherished, protected and educated equally.

I dream of families sitting down at the dinner table together, holding hands and giving thanks for the blessing of another day and another meal.

I dream of a time where America will treat Sunday as the Lord’s day like it once did, where stores closed and everyone rested and spent time with their church families and loved ones.

I dream of a time where television didn’t spew filth into homes and every show was as wholesome as Andy Griffith and Donna Reed.

I dream of a time when everyone knew their neighbors, cared about them and took casseroles when someone was sick or there was a need.

I dream of children playing “kick the can” or “red rover” in their neighborhoods without their parents worrying if they are going to get home safely.

I dream of a time when America’s churches were as full as sporting event stadiums.

I dream of a day when teachers, first responders, doctors and nurses are respected and paid more than sports figures or movie stars.

I dream of heaven. Where there is no more suffering, sorrow or pain.

Another Famous Dreamer

Yes, like John Lennon said, “You may think that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” (He also said imagine there is no heaven….which I would NEVER want to imagine!) But I still love the song because of the overall message.

I have always been a dreamer and at times that’s kept me from being focused on what really matters but one of the best things about getting older is…Now I know what matters.

I hope my grandchildren grow up to be dreamers. I don’t know about you but I think the world could use a few more.

We weren’t all meant to dream the same dreams but each and every dream is important.