“Keep Your Dreams Alive”
Given by Lloyd Newell

 August 8, 2004

Little children enjoy the freedom of dreaming without the limits imposed by society or the so-called sensibilities of adulthood. They wish upon a star or make a wish as they blow out the candles on a cake. Those who are young or young at heart revel in the possibilities of life and the hopeful visions they inspire.

When dreams find root in our hearts, even the rough realities of life aren’t enough to make them die. What we dream about, what we wish for and learn about and work toward can endure the assault of time and provide a legacy for those who follow.

Some people are fortunate enough to create a dream and live to see its fulfillment. One member of the Tabernacle Choir said, “As a child I imagined myself singing beneath the beautiful pipes of the Tabernacle organ. I nurtured that dream. To sing with the Choir now is a real dream come true.”

Some do not fully realize their dreams, but they enable others to fulfill theirs. As a little boy, Robert Goddard dreamed of someday traveling into space. He never personally experienced his dream, but as one of the founding fathers of spaceflight, Robert laid the groundwork for those who would follow after him.

Many dreamers can only pass on their dreams to later generations. Who can say that the one who only imagines, yet shares the vision with others, is any less a part of the ultimate success?

A wishful child may grow into an inspired adult who becomes a visionary achiever—and it all starts with a dream. So we must keep dreaming, hoping, and believing, doing all we can to make our dream come true. And even if we never see that day, we can still do our part by simply keeping the dream alive.