The senseless have vain and false hopes,
and dreams give wings to fools.
As one who catches at a shadow and pursues the wind,
so is anyone who believes in dreams.
What is seen in dreams is but a reflection,
the likeness of a face looking at itself. (Sirach 34:1-3)
The dreams referenced are dreams of sleep. But vain and false hopes that emerge while awake can be even more beguiling.
The danger comes from perceiving our own projections - our face looking at itself - as external reality.
These projections are a kind of potential, but for the potential to have any real hope of fulfillment vanity must be put aside.
To achieve a dream requires catching the light, not shadow; and riding, even guiding, the wind not pursuing it.
Gracious God help keep my face turned toward you and your light.
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