By Ellen Shuck

Lucy couldn't wait to begin her new job, but she first had to gain training for it. She enrolled in the adequate classes and felt she was well on her way. She talked and talked about her plans to everyone who would listen. She then proceeded to obtain the education she needed. It was challenging to look forward to living her dream. She rehearsed what she thought was the reality of what her life would be like. It was so much fun living in her mind's perfect landscape.

When she began her classes to prepare for her future occupation, she discovered the reality of action didn't match what she had pictured. It was, instead, difficult work. She had to rise early, and she stayed up late in the evenings. This was nothing like it had seemed in her imagination. In fact, much of her energy had been squandered by her constant talking about it.

Another friend, Amy, recently attained a new job. She had been hoping for what would "really suit her," she thought. Amy, though, was so excited and frenzied, by finally acquiring what she thought she had wanted, that she over-extended herself. She found, by the time she tried to juggle her schedule, she was unable to complete her responsibilities as she should at work. But she had underestimated what she could accomplish, considering her energy level, both mentally and physically. As she talked about her goal while she was preparing and looking forward to it, Amy was full of energy and excitement. She was on top of the world. Now, though, as she performed what she had dreamed of, Amy found it was different. Where was all the enjoyment, feelings of prestige and congratulatory messages from others she had expected? She derived some satisfaction from her work, but she felt used sometimes, too.

The purpose of the two stories is to relate scenarios affirming that when you talk too much about what you're going to do, you may fail to accomplish the goal. After the energy from the conversations and false glory have passed, you must actually make your talk come true. It's finally time to create reality from what you've lived within. It's good to talk somewhat about your dreams, but watch that you don't overdo it and substitute the verbal for action.

You must picture what you avidly want to attain, but don't spread it around too much or you will waste your energy. Stop thinking excessively about what you're going to do and do it.

I discovered that truth I'm talking about some years back. It came from personal experience.

It seemed that I was always getting thrills from what I would someday accomplish. I thought about it and would talk and tell those closest to me, not in a bragging way, but because I wanted to bounce my wonderful aspirations off them. This seemed to ingrain my goals deeper, as well. Sometimes, however, I noticed the next day I wasn't nearly as hopeful as when I was dreaming and talking about my goal. I finally figured out that I was so exhausted from living and reliving my goals, I failed to act. I was all talked out.

Fortunately, since I realized that fact, I now expect steps taken toward reaching my desires to be difficult. If things come too easy they aren't worth having. A nurse with whom I interacted recently stated, "Anything that comes easy is not worth having." Proverbs 16:3 tells people to "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." He will guide you to the right direction and encourage you along the way.

So when you feel like things are becoming too difficult in reaching your goals and dreams; remember that God will guide you and help you if you've chosen the right path, but it takes more than talk. "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty" (Proverbs 14:23).