A Blog by Jason Salamun

Recently, I had the opportunity to pray at center ice of a local pro hockey game in front of 4500 people.

It was a sweet moment.

As I was waiting by the penalty box listening to the National Anthem, I thought, “Why me?”

With the chill of the ice beneath my feet and the chill of the goosebumps on my arms as the young gal sang, “of the land and of the freeeeee” I was dumbfounded how I got to this point.

How did I go from sitting on the sidelines of life watching others live their dreams to playing in the game and living mine?

Why me?

I’m just an ordinary guy.

Just five years ago I was content to have a good job, take care of my family, go to church, try to be a decent person, and live a comfortable life.

Until God disturbed me.

He filled me with a passion to help people live free.

And I know the only path to true freedom is the gospel.

The gospel produces community who are on a mission to make disciples.

Followers of Jesus who love God, love people, & live free.

The gospel was the seed that birthed Project Church.

And somehow, someway God called me to be a part of this.

Why me?

There are certainly better people God could have chosen.

Better pedigree.

Better leaders.

Better communicators.

Better looking.

You name it.

Some people feel the need to point out how unimpressive I am.

Too much this, not enough that.

So and so is better.

I already know.

I’m just a dude.

But I’m a dude who really loves Jesus.

I’m a dude who really wants you to live free.

To know the Jesus that I know.

To taste the grace that I’ve tasted.

To experience the freedom that I’m experiencing.

Why me?

Perhaps my life will be proof that there is a God.

Because if he can use me, he can use anybody.

That includes you!

So here’s to The Ordinaries like me.

Like Peter and John before us, may anything extraordinary we do be because we had been with Jesus.

May he always be the extra in our ordinary.

May we always remember that.

“Someday, I’m going to chase that dream.”

“Someday, I’m going to get in shape.”

“Someday, I’m going to help those less fortunate.”

“Someday, I’m going to overcome that fear.”

“Someday, I’m going to ask her out.”

“Someday, I’m going to take my family on that trip.”

“Someday, I’m going to finish that project.”

“Someday, I’m going to learn that instrument.”

“Someday, I’m going to be debt-free.”

“Someday, I’m going to be a leader.”

“Someday, I’m going to spend more time with my kids.”

“Someday, I’m going to get these addictions under control.”

“Someday, I’m going to make a difference.”

A life full of regrets is paved on a path littered with somedays.

What’s it going to take to turn someday into today?

Someone dying?

Your health going downhill?

Your kids growing up?

Why wait?

You’re not promised tomorrow!

You have this moment- where your past and your future collide.

Replace the word someday with the the words, “Beginning today…”

And take the next step to advance that someday list forward.

You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. - James 4:14

Now’s the time!

Today’s the day!

Don’t waste your life!

You’ve got a story to live!

Go live it!

Pursue yours.

When a parent chases their God-given dreams with their God-given talents, it tells their children they can too.

The parents who choose to be a martyr and sacrifice their passions “for the sake of the kids” are only fooling themselves.

They’re actually making it more difficult for them.

Making dreams seem more unattainable.

Parents, we set the example.

Let’s give our kids some footprints to follow.

Let’s show them a better way.

Take them along for the ride.

And love them along the way.

Pray they become who God created them to be.

And do what God calls them to do.

Lead by being who God created you to be and doing what God is calling you to do.

That’s how we help our kids pursue their dreams.

Allow me to give you a warning:

If you ever tell me a dream you want to pursue, I will pursue you until you begin to pursue it.

That’s a whole lotta pursuing going on.

You see, I love seeing people take a dream, an idea, a God-given vision, and go for it.

Too many of us settle for a life of inaction and good intentions.

Allow me to share one of my dreams:

I want to write a book (or more).

I’ve written short stories (like this one) from time to time but never a book.

This summer I’m beginning work on my first book.

I’m going for it.

There are details to be worked out however, for now, I just need to write.

Stay tuned to the blog if you’re interested in following the journey.

From time to time, I’ll share more about the idea of the book, maybe some tidbits, and the publishing progress.

My friends at Project Church will be the ones helping me work through it as I’ll be incorporating some of my writings into the messages I teach during this summer.

Would appreciate your prayers and support.

And if you’re a writer, advice is always welcomed.

So that’s what I’m doing.

What about you?

What do you need to go for?

When intangible dreams evolve into tangible realities, it’s pure magic.

Yet one of the great scandals of our day is how many dreams remain just that- dreams.

We reside in a culture that shouts, “chase your dreams” to our face yet whispers, “don’t cause a scene” in our ear.

As a result, we exchange the thrill of dream chasing for the pill of rat racing.

I should know.

My life is a dusty bookshelf of forgotten and neglected dreams.

Sitting still while I seek God’s will.

But God doesn’t make it that complicated.

When you see your neighbors house on fire…

You do something about it.

All around you are fires (needs, hurts, injustices, fears, you name it) that need to be put out.

Do you see them?

God has equipped you with talents, passions, and resources to help extinguish them.

Will you?

We’re not promised tomorrow but we’re here today.

For a reason.

Follow Jesus, turn your dream into a mission of love, and go until you get a no.

At least that’s what I’m learning to do.