Some experiences need time to settle before I see their full significance. This was the case as I attended the She Speaks conference this past weekend. It was my second time attending the event hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The trek never disappoints.

Women who lead, write, or speak gather at the annual conference for fellowship and development. Being with like-minded souls determined to fulfill God’s call creates a sacred synergy.

We share the same mission – to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known – but each of us has a unique story and style. I was inspired by the amazing women I met.

However, as eight hundred attendees received wisdom in workshops and networked with industry experts, we were observed by an audience of One. It was our Lord, the One who called each of us by name and gifted us by His grace.

As you set a goal or pursue a dream what might He observe about you? The passion of your pursuit? The edginess of your style? Your uncertainty about the outcome?

When He looks at His children there is much to see. And yet, as we get a glimpse of Him that’s the real show stopper. In last week’s post, I asked if our dreams were forgotten or faith-filled. However, after a few meetings pitching my manuscript, I wasn’t sure which way my dreams were leaning.

As I sorted through the responses to my pitch (“no,” “maybe,” and “not yet”) I received something greater than any “yes” those meetings could offer. I had a holy aha moment – that moment when what matters to God begins to matter the most to me.

There are many reasons why I aim to become more effective at what I do. As a reader of this blog you are certainly one of them. But in that moment there was only ONE reason — for the sake of the call of Christ. As I lingered in that space any unproductive thinking began to leave me.

It is a privilege for my hands to dance across the keyboard for Jesus. But it’s my devotion to Him that determines the beauty of the dance. As I seek to make Christ known, it is completely up to Him how much “I” become known for doing it.

If my ego stands on tippy-toes, I see the ambitious version of me. A few people might applaud but it’s an impossible posture for me to maintain. Instead, I desire to stand on the box of His grace. It is the steadiest platform for any servant of Christ.

If you sort through the significance of your dreams too, here’s some good news: God may have planted a dream in our hearts but it was never intended to torture our souls. The battle for my heart’s strings is fierce. But there is only one cord worthy of having complete control. As I give in to God’s desires, there’s just one rhythm and it brings hope in the heart and joy to the soul.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV