If you, like me, have wondered if what you do makes any difference, you’re not alone.
For the longest time, I struggled to understand what it meant to “cast your bread upon the waters.” (Ecc 11:1)
It sounded senseless, futile at best. I imagined myself throwing bread lumps from a boat, watching soggy crusts floating on the sea, not a pretty sight indeed.
But over the years, I discovered what it truly means- to give and sow generously, without any worry about its returns. Yet, the second part of verse comforts us, “… for you will find it after many days,” reassuring us of the certainty of blessing.
I admit, that as a public health “expert” of sorts, I’m often cornered to prove measurables. I was even taught in graduate school, that if you can’t measure the good you did, you did nothing at all. 💔
Amidst my growing self doubt, I received this message recently from a stranger, “I hung your calligraphy piece 梦想(dreams) over our dining table, where my husband and I dream. Through deep conversations, we sit at this table, moving closer to the bold dreams that God has called us to.
Through the penning of reflections, and messy planning on our table, we hope our plans become clearer. Yet, we don’t know and we aren’t sure.
But when my husband and I first saw your calligraphy, it spoke right to our hearts because we are pursuing that bold dream with a small start.
It inspires and encourages us to keep dreaming.”
A warmth surged through me. Maybe I’ll never be able to measure the good in my life. Maybe I’ll never know the encouragement what I did brought to others. But this reminded me, to keep casting my bread upon the waters, because one day, perhaps, I’ll be blessed with a reminder to myself- to keep dreaming and setting dreams free. 💛
Don’t give up, friend.
*To own a piece of artwork, visit www.kitesong.sg or link in bio to view The Dreams Collection or our latest Anchor Collection. Pre-order before 12 Dec for a special rate. All profits go to @kitesong.global to empower youth to impact vulnerable communities.