Palm Leaf Dreams

A palm tree at my parents house in San Diego, California

Men speak of dreaming as if it were a phenomenon of night and sleep. They should know better. All results achieved by us are self-promised, and all self-promises are made in dreams awake. Dreaming is the relief of labor, the wine that sustains us in act. We learn to love labor, not for itself, but of the opportunity it furnishes for dreaming, which is the great under-monotone of real life, unheard, unnoticed, because of its constancy. Living is Dreaming. Only in the grave are there no dreams.

- Lew Wallace, Ben-Hur

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people fanning leaves were filled with fevered dreams of earthly things. Like in Lew Wallace’s unmatched epic Ben-Hur, Judah gazes at the Holy City before Jesus mounts the colt for Palm Sunday. Judah’s eyes are enamored by the splendors. The architecture. The history. The hopes of vengeance and victory.

The Jews at Jesus’ feet cried for a king when even the Romans had the humility to believe only Jove alone was the King of Rome. The expectant dreams of earthly things had reached their peak. Of course, the cross would be Christ’s destiny.

I know I am similar to our first century family. I remember taking to a hill over looking my own ancestor’s city. I saw the remnant of the Mission shaded by the sky scrapers of the Financial District. I longed for a return to something righteous. I had hoped I would witness justice not only for me but for my family. I was finally freed from this slavery when I could see I was dreaming of expiring things.

While dreams in the night appear obscured, how much more are the waking dreams so deep in one’s heart that one goes on working, wondering why and what for? Can man only point to the finite and the facades of extravagance for his energy? Does one only endure for the ephemeral and material?

What are our waking dreams?

Has our world become drunk with mortgages and cars and last calls at bars? Will not even our young dream of glory unending?

As I contemplate the Christ coming through the gates, thronged by the crowds as he makes his way, I again align my head and my heart, that I may be driven by dreams of eternal things.

Until next week,

-Steven

To all my subscribers, my gratitude for each of you continues to grow. If you have yet to subscribe, use the link below.

PS. This past month I have published a few videos for those of you who enjoy reading and writing:

First, if you are looking to buy a Kindle, I made a video reviewing the Base Model and Paperwhite versions. 

Next, if you’re looking for something to read, I made a video on four books you should see.

Finally, if you already have a Kindle or are looking to get one, here is how I use my Kindle for more than just reading books.