“Every second of the search is an encounter with God,” the boy told his heart. “When I have been truly searching for my treasure, every day has been luminous, because I’ve known that every hour was a part of the dream that I would find it. When I have been truly searching for my treasure, I’ve discovered things along the way that I never would have seen had I not had the courage to try things that seemed impossible for a shepherd to achieve.”
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, p. 132
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Omaha. I’ve been reading The Alchemist—an enchanting fable about following your dream. The words of Jesus mingle with this creative author and I am moved to reflection. In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your treasure? What is your dream? If you’re not sure, listen to your heart; it will guide you to your created purpose.
Many years ago Chris and I had a dream. Young and idealistic, we dreamed of a better world. A world full of justice, compassion and equality. Nearly fourteen years later, communities centered on the Reign of Christ have been established in eleven cities in the majority world. People of poverty mingle with people of wealth and on most days we are left wondering who is rich and who is poor. Together, as we do the very hard work of loving one another, an exchange occurs and each of us is liberated a bit more than we were the day before.
Pursuing the dream of Word Made Flesh has required courage we didn’t know we had and unexpected treasure has marked our journey. But receiving those treasures has come at a cost. When we dare to dream, it will cost us everything; but there is no limit to the fulflling return. You are one of those treasures. And our dream would not be possilbe without you. Thank you for journeying with us.
Be well, Breathe deep.
Phileena Heuertz