Galatians 2 v20 - our own figurative marks

[Ian]

I don`t necessarily attach any supernatural significance to it, as we often dream about what`s been on our mind during the day. But last night I dreamt that I had my own holes in my hands and feet. And on waking this verse came to mind. And I felt a tad encouraged. That I am already participating in this, the germinations having begun in 2002 before I ever thought about a possible "spiritual recovery".
Has anyone else ever visualised this in themselves, namely the marks of crucifixion in their own body, figuratively speaking? Is it a symbolic help to identify more closely with Jesus`sacrificial act for me or does it risk taking my eyes off Jesus? I suppose it could be if not checked, but it left me encouraged as I said. Or am I just deluded?

[steve]

I've never had such a dream, but it sounds like its results are positive, so it could be a sign—like waking up with the stigmata, only less intrusive!

[Ian]

I`ve been reading A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken and lo and behold I got to page 188 the day after this, wherein CS Lewis addresses this type of question from the author:

"My general view is that, once we have accepted an omniscient and providential God, the distinction we used to draw between the significant and the fortuitous must either break down or be restated in some very much subtler form. If an event coming about in the ordinary course of nature becomes to me the occasion of hope and faith and love or increased efforts after virtue, do we suppose that this result was unforeseen by, or is indifferent to God?"

Which is along similar lines to what you`ve just written, Steve!