Are dreams real or just an imagination?

Are dreams real or just an imagination?

As We dream we see images that sometimes become real now or in the future!  To place the picture that becomes real in the middle of Rems' sleep we need to view the entire incident.  It’s like when preparing a homily based on a scripture passage and it is suggested to read paragraphs before and after the chosen section.  However, when dreaming the sleeper has no control over what appears, or does he?  

Let’s look at a continuous journey that actually contains a kaleidoscope of events, usually taken from our own lifestyle or productions we have experienced.  From sacred scripture God used different characters to prevent a catastrophe or a need to change future events.  In the movement of the Holy Family an angel warned Joseph that King Herod was having all  baby boys under two years of age to be killed.  He was told to take his wife and child and go to Egypt until he told them everything was ok. (Mt 2: 13 - 15).

 Daniel was considered a dreamer and consequently interpreted the king's dream.  It was a blessing that through the interpretation saved Daniel and his friends. (Dn 2: 1 ff).

For most people a dream is just a slight memory of something they cannot remember.  Their recollection is that of something in passing with no recollection.  On the other hand, some, like myself,  have remembrance of something from every dream even though putting them into any type of perspective are difficult.   But when more than a few leave almost a pattern of events it is my feeling that putting them on paper is essential.  These are dreams that leave a message for me and since they are spiritual I  believe may be at least a manner of speaking for God.

Almost all of my dreams relate to two past vocations for me.  Over 60 years in the electrical industry, and 49 years as a deacon.  Both have been successful for my ministry and physical experiences.  

This dream, last night, July 26, found me running as usual late to get to Church.  As usual there was a problem with not having the proper vestments and in some way creating a time factor that was always nerve racking.  However, as I was in the sacristy there were hundreds of children laughing and singing in perfect relaxation as they prepared for their entrance into the main part of the church for the upcoming celebration.  I began looking for my wife as the congregation was packed with little empty seating.  Before sitting with her I viewed many deacons getting ready for the procession, although they only had white albs with no outward vestments which was a little strange.  One looked at me and said who are you?  I responded I was a deacon, and he said he remembered me.  Another incident found me confronting a deacon fully clothed in vestments and asked me who I was.  When I responded to him that I was a deacon from the first class he just shrugged it off.  Back to the church where we were seated, I noticed that the entire right side of the church was empty and all those who were seated now comprised a long line as they appeared to be waiting for entrance to someplace.  Then an usher came to our side and began leading most of those to get out of their seats and join those from the other side.  When he came to our seats he said we weren’t ready to join them.  The conclusion I gained from this was that we were present to those who were ready to enter into paradise along with all the clergy and boisterous children who also were among the chosen.  Our position told me we were viewing the saved but God still had need of us.  Our presence to this magnificent spectacle guaranteed us that all who believe in Christ will enjoy this truth and to spread this vision to others.

Allow me to reiterate that this dream was not to enhance my own expectations but to emphasize that God does use any of us to bring out the results of his plan to be seen through the eyes of others.  This was one of those incidents.

Ralph B. Hathaway