Our family tries to be very goal oriented in the beginning of each year. I actually never thought about resolutions or goals until I met Jon. He has always been the driver for setting goals and making plans to accomplish them.
We went away after Christmas for some quality family time. On New Year's Eve, we had dinner out and our table discussion was about what we would like to accomplish this year. Change of attitude, weight loss, exercise, service projects, grades...were all various goals that were talked about, and each person had a vision of what they wanted to accomplish for 2013. We will type out these goals for ourselves and post them on the fridge to keep them in front of us.
Talking and doing are two different things. Many of our goals will not be met unless there is a specific plan. Good and healthy accomplishments come at a price of denying self and/or organizing our time better. Starting a new year fresh is a good time to put these goals in front of us and look ahead with hope and determination.
I read a devotion the other day about the power of terminal thinking. It was not about being preoccupied with dying, but that most people don't think about their own death enough to live, and make choices, that will effect the outcome of what happens when they do die.
Show me, Lord, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.
Psalm 39:4,5
The psalmist, David, speaks of people who work to gain earthly treasure that in the end will be in vain. Have you ever known anyone who took their bank account with them when they died? We should be banking on the promises of God, and building a relationship with him that will endure forever. Living with God's promises and handing down the heavenly treasure of faith should be the first goal we set for ourselves for our entire life.
But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
Psalm 39:7,8
The greatest goal we can set for ourselves is attaining hope through a relationship with God. He alone can keep us from a life of disaster. His goal for us us is to know Him fully, to walk with purpose and love for others, and to have a foundation of faith that will carry us through all that life dishes out. You will never find a person on earth you will say, "My life is completely screwed up because I got to know God better and followed His plan for my life."
Set a goal to know God better in 2013! It is an eternal goal that will reach far beyond this life you live, which is a vapor, and will leave a legacy for your family and friends that will never end.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you sent Jesus to give me life, and I shoose this day to serve You, love You, obey You, and cling to You. I know that You are my life and the length of my days. I choose to enjoy the abudant life You provided for me.
Looking forward and up,
Sandy
