Keep Dreaming, Mama!

Maria V. Gallagher shares ideas on how to keep your dreams alive even in the midst of trials.

It is not every day that I receive a towering display of Instagram-perfect red roses. But this was, indeed, a special day.

My boss, co-workers, and former colleagues had come together to celebrate the publication of my second book, Mercy’s Power, from Marian Press. It was a delightful get-together, filled with waves of laughter and currents of love.

One of my co-workers asked me to read a passage from my book aloud. I was surprised when I became overcome with emotion and could barely squeak out the words. It was in that moment that I remembered the tough times when I was younger and struggling against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. I recalled the pain of those days and the tears started to fall.

I believe that, as mothers, we know all too well the sacrifices involved in loving well. When our children are sick, or when we ourselves are ill, the emotional pain can seem overwhelming. It is hard to remember during those trying times that all things are passing and that God is still in heaven watching out for us all.

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All too often, today’s culture seems to view childbearing as an end rather than a beginning—an end to dreams, aspirations, even success. How wrong that is. Ultimately, I discovered the birth of my precious daughter to be the start of a new journey which eventually led to my becoming a published author.

Motherhood was the gateway of discovery for me. I learned what it was like to stay up at night tending to a colicky newborn. I found out that a 4-year-old could pick out a perfect Mother’s Day card, even though she could not yet read. And I experienced the indescribable joy of seeing my daughter pirouetting on stage and earning a round of applause for her unexpected solo.

These experiences molded me into a more generous, faithful individual who could look at life through a mother’s eyes. They also gave me a greater confidence in myself and my abilities, which led to my taking on the awe-inspiring task of writing spiritual books.

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Do you have dreams that have been put on the shelf because of the daily demands of motherhood? Don't despair. #CatholicMom

If you have some dreams that have been put on the shelf because of the daily demands of motherhood, I have some ideas for you:

Don’t despair. As my dearly departed father used to say, God’s delay does not mean God’s denial.
Pray for discernment, especially for the dreams you hold within your heart.
Ask for the Blessed Mother’s guidance as you consider pursuing your dreams.
Take stock of your talents and skills. What are some creative ways you can put them to good use?

Keep dreaming, Mama! There is a good chance the Lord Himself put those dreams in your heart.

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