How often do you dream? Are they mostly encouraging or nightmarish? For me, it all depends on what is happening in my life. Whatever the current situation is, either that is mirrored through dreams or manifested through visions. If the situation isn’t that great, warnings come through nightmares. What about you? Do you recall your dreams or do you forget as soon as you wake up?

When I was studying in New Zealand, I had a vivid dream about my grandfather telling me to come home, that he was dying. As soon as I woke up, I called him. My aunties said that he wasn’t doing so well. He didn't leave Earth until some years later, but that dream stayed with me. Every time we met, he’d say “Enid, if we don’t see each other again, I will see you in heaven”.

He called me two days before he died. He told me to come to see him, he knew his time was near and that he needed to bless me. When I saw him, he didn’t say goodbye. He just blessed me but he said farewell to my husband when I left the room. I didn't have a child then, he blessed my future children and everything my hands will touch. He was a great prayer warrior and I would go see him every time I wanted mountains moved. I miss my grandpa, especially when life is challenging.

What are dreams made of? Who can interpret them? Dreams are yours alone. No one can truly interpret those for you. What does faith say about dreams? God sends us dreams but there is also a warning. The book of Ecclesiastes talks about this. “For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity, but God is the one you must fear”.

God showed Joseph his ending and how he will rule over his brothers through dreams. He was hated by his brothers because of those dreams. His brothers sold and betrayed him, and lied to their poor father that his favourite son was dead. Joseph had to live it and go through hardship but he already knew the ending. His dreams came true and he saved his people after fulfilling those dreams.

Lessons from Joseph? Don’t tell everyone your dreams. Some will plot against you. Always remember the destination when the journey is hard. Your problem may be someone else’s fantasy dream. That job you complain about is someone else’s dream job. That course you are taking or being paid for by your parents or work is someone else’s dream of a stepping stone to more opportunities. If you don’t like your reality, refocus your mindset or remember your dream. Remember that vision you had at the beginning of the year, your New Year resolution that is easily forgotten?

First thing tomorrow Find a comfortable chair, close your eyes, put your hands in your lap and start learning how to dream again.

Dream about what you’ve already been. Repeat this the next day and the next. After some ten days, you’ll get the knack of dreaming again. You’ll begin to regain the long-lost art of dreaming. Dream what has yet to be done. Dream a direction for yourself.

I leave you with this poem by Bryce Courtenay. While we enjoy another Sāpati, remember your childhood dreams, they may just serve you well in your last adult days.