Sharing and Dreaming Together in Argentina

The Argentine culture is marked by different customs that involve the same action: sharing. The term sharing comes from the Latin word compartīri; “com” means “with” and "partiri" means “to divide.” So sharing could be said to mean “starting with.”[i]The prefix “with” also indicates something that is done in a global, even common, way. This leads us to the notion of “leaving with those who are close.”[ii]

For Argentinians, food is a good excuse to get together no matter where we are in the world, and roast is a typical meal. Sundays, being a nonworking day, are often dedicated to being with family or friends and eating a delicious roast. The particular thing is that nobody eats roast alone. The same goes for maté, a tea made of an infusion of traditional herbs and hot water. It is rarely prepared for one person. Maté and roast are meant to be shared. 

In addition to food, Argentinians share anecdotes, laughter, emotions, and long talks. Most importantly, we share our dreams. A former president once said: “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

Many dreamers can be found throughout history and in the Bible. In Genesis we read the story of Joseph the dreamer. God spoke to him about his future through a dream, and He gave Joseph a gift to interpret dreams. He interpreted dreams of Pharaoh’s chief baker and cupbearer while in prison (Genesis 40). Because God allowed him to interpret their dreams, he was eventually called on to interpret a disturbing dream Pharaoh had (Genesis 41). Sharing his gift with Pharaoh changed Joseph’s life. 

God wants you to share the gifts He has given you with others, just as Joseph did. Take advantage of the favor God has placed in your life to be a blessing to others at all times and in all places. Start small, but dream big. 

It is important to share the dreams God gives you because that is the way those dreams will spread and ignite in the hearts of others. If He put a feeling, passion, or burden in your heart, it is for you to develop and share it with others so it will be a blessing to many.

Prayer Requests

· Pray for the nation’s economy, as it is in a serious crisis, causing rising unemployment and poverty.

Pray that the church will awaken and be marked by greater spiritual vigor and a commitment to the Great Commission.

[1] David Sheff, All We Are Saying (New York: St. Martin's Press, 2010), 16.

[i] Define, s.v. “share,” accessed November 24, 2019, https://definiciona.com/compartir/.

[ii] Define, s.v. “share.”