This has probably happened to you, as it did me this morning. Usually our most vivid dreams (or nightmares) happen right before we awaken. This morning I had a humdinger! I was on stage, performing trombone with a band, and I also had a speaking role – for which I was unprepared. I have had three community theater parts, so I can definitely relate to stage fright. Down went the conductor’s baton. Too late now. I knew I would freeze because I couldn’t remember my lines.

Having done a mild amount of study on dreams, I learned that there are certain archetypes of characters that tickle our minds while we sleep. The most powerful could very well be of The Holy Trinity. We have all been children (as was Jesus); each of us had a father and a mother. Mother Mary Magdalene, with child, is a nurturer and healer. In stark contrast, the maternal archetype might be more like “Mommy Dearest” or the brutal stepmother of Cinderella. Back to the Bible, and much older is the prophetess Anna in the temple holding, yes, – Jesus. The Divine Child links our shared past, present, and future.

Dramatic images that weave in and out of our dreams. In our relationships, we work out our feelings whether waking or sleeping. It is awe-inspiring how we do that at the subconscious level. We try to reconcile unpleasant memories of abusive, dysfunctional experiences with striving to savor the best of each of us. Our amazing, unconditionally loving God, is up all night, perhaps delegating to His holy angels. Dear reader, if you are having too many restless, sleepless nights, please avail yourself of the healing our Lord wishes for you – through brothers and sisters in Christ; divine children, great mothers, even counselors. We are all in this together. The wicked cannot overpower you.

Pastor Art