To Dream the Possible Dream

According to a recent survey, the top 3 dreams of today’s youngsters are to be

1. a sports’ star
2. a pop star
3. an actor or actress

This contrasts with the ambitions of their parents, who, 25 years ago, wanted most to be

1. a teacher
2. a banker
3. a doctor

Naturally, like me, the overwhelming majority of these children will be disappointed. They’ll have neither the natural talent, determination, or luck to become top footballers, athletes, singers or ilm stars. And, like me, they will come to a day when they have to give up on their dreams.

When that day comes, although it can be illed with huge disappointment, it can also be filled with renewed hope. For as the impossible dream fades, the possible dream can take its place.

Martin Luther King knew this. Speaking to young people whose dreams may have been shattered by the reality of their situation, he said, “If a man is called on to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. They should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”

In the film, “What a Wonderful Life”, James Stewart, as George Bailey, aspires to conquer the world. The wants to see continents and do great deeds. But circumstances conspire to keep him in his little mid-West town where his deep-seated integrity and regard for his fellow human beings makes him a star without knowing it.

In truth, few of us can realistically expect to be a star to millions.

But, a star amongst our friends, our families, our customers, and our colleagues?