Dreams Don’t Expire ⌛️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞
I just stumbled across something that
stopped me in my tracks.
Did you know Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t begin writing until she was 65 years old?
Most people are thinking about retirement
by then, but she was just beginning.
She was a broke farmer’s wife with little formal education, and yet her childhood memories became the Little House on the Prairie
series — stories that shaped generations. 🏠
And here I am, beginning at 66 ㋛
I can’t help but smile at the timing of this
reminder. I’ve often wrestled with feeling
“late” to the table — late to writing, late to publishing, late to putting my story into the
world. But then God nudges me with stories
like this and whispers:
“𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒. 𝑌𝑜 𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒."
Because here’s the truth: every year leading up
to this has not been wasted. Every loss, every season of joy, every hidden ache, every ordinary moment of faithfulness — all of it has been
shaping the voice I write with now.
“𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑢𝑝 𝑜𝑛."
Laura wrote from memory.
I write from memory too — but also from redemption.
From the way God met me in the darkest places and the most ordinary ones. From the porch mornings, the mountain fog, the long wrestles
with shame, the laughter around the table, and
the ache of missing those I love.
So maybe it isn’t about how early or late you
start.
Maybe it’s about whether you’re faithful when
the call finally comes.
If you’ve ever thought it’s too late for you
— too late to begin, too late to try, too late
to dream — hear me: it’s not.
Your story, your gifts, your purpose — they are right on time.
“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔."
Laura built an empire out of childhood memories.
I pray mine leaves behind a legacy of hope,
grace, and faith for the generations that follow.
Because it was never too late.
And it isn’t too late for you either.
“𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒...
𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑤, 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑡; 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒;
𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦."
— 𝐻𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑘𝑘𝑢𝑘 2:3
Keep showing up, friends.
The best chapters often begin right
where we thought the story was over.🤍
— 𝒞𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓎*
The recognition that "the story is still unfolding" resonates deeply with many people who might feel pressured by age or timing to start something new. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s example of beginning her writing career at 65 is a powerful reminder that creativity and purpose are not limited by years lived but rather shaped by the experiences accumulated along the way. Many people hesitate to begin new endeavors because they believe their chance has passed; however, just like Wilder and countless others, each person’s journey is unique and valid at every stage. Faith plays a significant role in embracing this, as seen through the biblical verse from Habakkuk 2:3 quoted in the article, emphasizing patience and trust that the vision will come at its appointed time without delay. This encourages individuals to understand that lateness is a subjective feeling rather than an objective barrier. Success and meaningful impact arise from perseverance, faithfulness, and consistently showing up, even when progress seems slow or invisible. In real life, many late bloomers across various fields illustrate this truth—from artists and entrepreneurs to writers and innovators—who find their calling after decades filled with diverse life experiences, struggles, and growth. These experiences add depth, insight, and authenticity to their work, which early starters might not possess. This authentic voice can inspire and provide hope to readers or audiences who relate to struggles, triumphs, and ordinary moments of human experience. Moreover, writing from memory and redemption, as the author describes, enriches storytelling by connecting personal transformation with universal truths, creating stories that deeply resonate and leave a legacy of hope, grace, and faith. It is a call to those holding back their dreams due to fear, age, or self-doubt to consider that every season, every challenge, and every joyful moment has contributed to the unique narrative they are now ready to share. Ultimately, the message to keep showing up and embrace the present moment as the beginning of new chapters serves as an uplifting and empowering call to action. No matter where you are in life, your gifts and purpose are timely and needed. The best parts of your story likely await just beyond hesitation, inviting you to step forward in faith and authenticity.