Chase Your Own Dreams

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

“You ready, kid?” Sara’s dad stood by the door, keys to the family van in hand.

Sara nodded, tightening the laces on her brother’s old soccer cleats. Both of her brothers played soccer, and after practicing with them at home for several months, she knew she really wanted to try out for the travel team in her community. The only thing was, she wasn’t sure she wanted to try out for the soccer team alone—but none of her friends had wanted to try out with her.

“I’m proud of you for trying, Sara, no matter what happens,” her dad said as they drove into the lot where the tryouts were held.

The morning went better than she thought it would. She loved being on the field. The next week, she was so excited to find out she’d made the team! And several weeks later, at the first game of the season, a few of her friends stood on the sidelines cheering her on, happy that she was doing something she loved.

There may be times when you, like Sara, are interested in things that your friends are not. Remember that it’s perfectly okay to pursue what you are passionate about. Each of us should be free to go after what we’re good at—academics, sports, music, clubs, drama—or any other activity available to us. Good friends will encourage you to chase your dreams and cheer you on, just like you should encourage them even when they are interested in things that are different from you. The Bible says we are to love one another the way God has loved us. One way we can do that is by supporting our friends’ activities and interests, rejoicing with them when they succeed.

Things to Think About

• What activities do you enjoy? Are they different from your friends’ favorites?
• How can you support a friend in a dream she is following?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Offer some encouragement to a friend who is pursuing a dream of their own.