Sweet dreamer

Back in high school I had this stint where I was middy obsessed with interpreting dreams.  I had a book and everything.  I remember once during a science class, a friend and I interpreted a dream of hers and it was pretty spot on. I never put a ton of thought into why we dream what we do; a lot of times I figured it was mostly formed from the days events, but it was still fun to see what it could potentially mean. I think my interest in interpretation lasted a year, tops, and then I moved on to more fun things.

This past week, I was bathing the boys and thinking of Daniel and remembering a dream I had of him the previous week.  Obviously, I cherish any dream I can manage to receive when he is in it and often times I think back to them because of how much they mean to me.  It was while I was sitting there, getting splashed on, of course, when I realized each time I have had a dream-excluding one because I think the dream I had was more for Ryan's benefit than mine in my subconscious-Daniel is wearing a red shirt. And  in my dreams, I focus on the shirt a lot. And my last particular dream was so, so..real.  And by real, I mean I woke up thinking I was still holding him in my arms because I could still feel the heaviness of his body as I lay in bed with a huge serene smile on my face.  So, it got me thinking; what does red mean in terms of dreams?  And not just a dream, but a spiritual one because when it's a dream concerning Daniel I cannot think that it isn't sent from above.   Believe me when I constantly pray that I can dream of him, but it's only at certain times that he shows up; and it's usually during a more difficult time for me.  

So, I did some googling.  Nothing incredibly hard core; because there are some sites that are heavy in interpreting the tiniest detail.  And this last dream was just a black background and him in red so what else was there to look into?  It turns out that red can have positive and negative interpretations depending on the base of what you're dreaming about.  Dreaming of Daniel is obviously not negative for me so I focused on the positive red meanings.  Most sites were pretty unanimous that red symbolizes love and life and redemption.  And in case you don't really get how huge and significant it is that Daniel is wearing red; red signifies love, life and redemption.  Daniel has God wrapped all around him.  Daniel has life.  Daniel is loved; not just by me, but by God.  Jesus died and shed His blood to cover us so that we're redeemed; so that when we die we can live with and in Him.  And He is using my special little boy to reach me on such a deep level because He loves me and hears my hurting Mother heart and wants to renew my strength and joy for this life. And to remind me of His love.  I tell you what, John 16:33 is, like, the verse for me at this moment in time.  My only peace is in Him.  This world throws some pretty heavy punches at me and grief just plain sucks me down, but He has overcome the world.  His strength renews my spirit and sending Daniel to me is like a coveted promise of peace and hope.  

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998