Dream On

I had an interesting dream last night. I normally wouldn't post a dream on my blog, but it left a lasting impression of a lesson learned. So here it is:

Blurry details lead in to me eating a not-to-pleasant substance. It was disgusting and not something I would ever normally do. I walk into a building, maybe someone's house, where a party is occurring. I am not married and there is quite a few attractive women in the room. This is normally a situation where I would thrive, as I am a social person. I start talking with a girl. She immediately notices a tattoo on my arm ( In the dream I have no other tattoos, weird huh?). The tattoo has some biblical or religious theme with a verse above it. Instead of a brief explanation, then a move to a more popular topic, I explain, in great detail I might add, my faith and belief in God.  She looks slightly confused, being that no one else is talking about such a heavy topic, but eventually begins to be genuinely interested in what I'm saying. I don't stumble, I witness to this girl, instead of hitting on her.

So let's talk about the lesson learned. First of all, I have never had a dream about religion or God. I also don't have dreams where I wake up feeling like I have just had an epiphany. Usually, I have crazy dreams about ghosts, monsters, and other abnormal things. I put it all together and came to the conclusion that I was being told to watch what I say. At work, it is easy sometimes to cuss, say lewd things, and to gossip (yes guys gossip, A LOT). This is something most people experience, I think. While I don't necessarily think swearing itself is bad (the intent behind any word is the problem), I realized that others may think it is. What if I was a stumbling block for someone who is trying not to swear? What if I ruined my witness because someone heard me gossiping or swearing and thought I was a fraud? Right or wrong, it's not about whether I think it's wrong, it's about others. I want to be an encouragement to others. I want to be a light in the dark. I don't want to just blend in. Watch what I say, this hit home. The first part of the dream, obviously, was a reference to the crap that comes out of my mouth, and how it is not appealing to God or others. I believe the tattoo was a symbol for the permanent branding I shouldn't be ashamed of, which is being a follower of Christ. The dream also made me realize that I am getting more vocal about my faith. Oh, the things we can learn if we just become perceptive to what God is trying to tell us.