How big are your dreams? Could you check them all off with a little extra time on the weekend? What would it take to actually make your dreams a reality? There is a quote that I can’t track down a source for, but it goes something like this:

If your Dreams can be completed in a lifetime, then you aren’t dreaming big enough.

I like to think that I try to live that way, with big dreams that aren’t done in a day, a week, a month, or even years. And I’m not alone. Kim and I got to visit a breathtaking example of big dreams at Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Together, Kim and I have seen some impressive buildings around the world. We’ve been to India and the Taj Mahal, to Paris and Notre Dame, but I think we both agree that we have never seen anything like this building before. I was in awe walking up to and into it. There is no way the picture can possibly do it justice. And here is the crazy thing: it isn’t done yet.

Construction began in 1866 with what was originally supposed to be a Romanesque cathedral. Then in 1882, Antoni Gaudi took over. He is known for eccentric and revolutionary design methods and concepts. Construction slowly moved along under his new concept until his untimely death in 1926 (he was hit by a tram in the streets). Construction has continued steadily to the building you see above. It is a massive structure, towering above the surrounding apartments and shops. There is incredible symbolism in every part of the building, all the way up to the towers (there are twelve for the apostles, four for the gospel writers, etc.). The central tower, or the Christ Tower, will be 170 meters high (560 feet) when it is finished and will make La Sagrada Familia the tallest building in Barcelona. It will be almost double the height that you see in the picture above. They are working hard to complete it by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.

It was simply amazing to see; words and pictures do not do it justice. It’s inspiring to think that Gaudi designed and planned for something that he knew couldn’t be finished in his lifetime. To have such a vision that you can pour your heart and soul into something, knowing that you will never see the full end-result, that is truly dreaming big.

So get out there and dream big. Like Antoni Gaudi-big. Dream of massive gardens filled with veggies. Dream of endless flowers and beautiful butterflies. Dream of doing things that make the world a better place and of a life better than anything you ever expected. While you are making those big dreams happen, you will probably find that you inspire others along the way.