While I’m taking some retreat time this week to focus on creating new content for the blog and the Accidental Tomatoes Podcast, I wanted to revisit this piece which was first published Aug. 27, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I have a dream” speech. It’s a reflection on what some of my own dreams would be if I had a chance to voice them. So, in no particular order, here ’goes:

I dream of a world where respect for others is our highest value.

I dream of a world where our faith is strong enough to allow differences of opinion without being divisive.

I dream of a world where we understand that “truth” and “fact” are not necessarily the same thing.

I dream of a world full of laughter.

I dream of a world where fear is a distant memory.

I dream of a world that doesn’t have a word for “despair.”

I dream of a world where we spend more on our children than our entertainment.

I dream of a world where teachers are paid more than politicians.

I dream of a world where the highest compliment you can pay someone is to praise their ability to reach compromise.

I dream of a world where our greatest natural resource is nature itself.

I dream of a world where Christianity is not just good news for Christians.

I dream of a world where power is determined not by how much you have, but how well you love.

I dream of a world without borders.

I dream of a world where hope is as abundant as air.

I dream of a world where opportunities are not determined by where you were born.

I dream of a world where justice is defined by mercy.

I dream of a world where violence is never an option.

I dream of a world that doesn’t understand the concept of greed.

I dream of a world that doesn’t understand the concept of poverty.

I dream of a world that doesn’t understand the concept of hate.

I dream of a world that understands that true love is always beautiful.

Most of all, I dream of a world where equality is no longer a dream. A world where everyone is free to enjoy God’s blessings in the fullness God intends for each of us and all of us.

What are your dreams?

More important, what can you do today to make your dreams come true?