I can totally relate to this post. My dreams were equally varied and discarded. I am now in that passion-less job and wondering if/when I made a decision that dramatically altered my life. Did I sell-out to society’s expectations by getting a “practical” degree instead of a degree in English or Art? And yet, I know that God is at work through my current job shaping and changing my beliefs and perceptions about him and about the world around me. Is it really about that one defining moment or is it just about continually growing and allowing Christ to permeate every breath of my life – instead of striving toward some grand gesture. Maybe as we strive for this goal our true dream is manifest. That of God truly infusing his Spirit into all that we are – not just the talents and dreams we may have ascribed for ourselves. Yet, there’s definitely something to be said for nurturing talents and pursuing dreams with abandon. Maybe our idea of how and when that should transpire is the issue. I don’t know. Needless to say, I too wrestle with this. I’ll have to check out the book you referenced. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. (Loved the Uganda photos by the way.) Here’s a website you might find interesting: http://www.onamercyship.com. Scott Harrison’s (photojournalist) story is really interesting and his blog and photos about the Mercy Ship are amazing.