Satisfied

What if all our plans, dreams, desires, hopes that we are working for never happen? What if we work and invest and reinvest and never get to the point where we can say "we've done enough" and enjoy the fruits of our labor? What if we never get out of the rat race? Well?? What if??
I guess if all our dreams never come true I will regret the small moments that I give up in the name of getting ahead. If I never get what I am working for I would wish I had taken the time, and made the effort to enjoy something about each day, rather than just enduring and getting by.
I think it is good to have dreams, plans, things to look forward to and to work toward. However, I worry that sometimes the dreams choke out the loveliness of the waking moments. Sometimes it is nice to float away on the dreams of all that we will have and all that we will do someday when we are independently wealthy. It is good to make plans to handle finances in such a way as to achieve those dreams; it also makes sense to take steps to follow through on those plans by saving, investing, taking opportunities and making them work to our benefit. Of course the dreams, the plans and the actions are all good, but sometimes I find it frustrating to live in the now. I'm finding it so hard to be satisfied and comfortable - thankful even- while looking ahead to what I hope to have and be. Is it possible to dream too big? Is there a limit to what we should hope for?
I think the focus of my dreams and wants needs to change. I tend to wish for stuff: nice clothes, new vehicles, state of the art home and various personal pampering procedures. I need to wish for things closer to the heart of God: a firm faith, an intimate and lasting marriage, healthy and wholesome children, enduring friendships and opportunities to help others. If I shift the focus of my goals and dreams onto these things I find that there are ways to be fulfilled and satisfied every day! Whether or not my material wants are ever met I have riches that can never be taken from me when I choose to respect my husband, encourage a friend, spend time with my children, help someone in need or just grasp on to God's peace with both hands.
It is a constant struggle to change my focus, after all it's not wrong to wish for nice things. My desire for things, though, is a grinding, gnawing hunger that can never be satisfied. My desire to be close to God's heart is something that fulfills me and calms me...satisfies me.