I had the privilege of meeting with a local businessman this morning that gave his time to hear the vision of bringing a coffeeshop/multiple-use venue to Uptown Charlotte. Such an incredible time articulating the dream that God has placed in our hearts. I left that meeting so encouraged as he began to outline steps to how we can see this vision accomplished. There is a journey ahead of us that will be filled with a great amount of prayer and hard work. But I believe, more than ever, that we are going to see this accomplished.

I left that meeting and went directly to Carolina’s Medical Center to spend the rest of the morning with my good friend, Hunter Prevatt, who was receiving his third round of chemotherapy. Hunter is 23 years old and is fighting stage two Hodgkin’s Disease. And he’s standing incredibly tall and relying on God in a way that inspires me to love and trust God more.

I think this morning is a perfect example of the way that God wants us to live our lives. Chasing down vision and dreams is incredibly important. It honors God. But I was so encouraged to spend time with Hunter, just doing what we do. We share life together. Ups and downs. Highs and lows. We read Scripture together and encourage each other while walking through otherwise extremely challenging seasons of life.

I have said this before, and I’ll say it a million times: don’t be intoxicated by vision. While working toward accomplishing big dreams, remember to love Jesus with all your heart, care for those closest to you and keep your eyes and heart open to serve Jesus. Honor God first with the things that he has placed in your hands. The vision will come to pass according to His will and His timing.