A Personal Path

I don't want to shortchange the end of 2015, but the new year is drawing closer. There are still many experiences waiting to be had, relationships to deepen, and opportunities to seize in the current calendar year, but I am still starting to look ahead. I'm beginning to think about what I want this next year to look like and the things I want to accomplish. I'm processing goals in light of the lessons of this year (both positive and negative) and trying to determine where I want to be at the end of next year. 

I've read several things lately geared towards refining the goal-setting process and making it more effective. Most of them don't focus on well written objectives with assigned task lists. These other thoughts aren't centered on marking off the most items either. To be truly effective, I have to answer a basic (albeit not always simple) question: "Who do I want to become?"

Answering that question will fuel everything else I do. I don't necessarily have to have every detail laid out, but there has to be a general direction shaped by my passions and God's calling on my life. If I am unable to answer the question about my desired destination, then my pursuit of goals is less difficult. Without a target to hit, it doesn't matter which direction you aim. Developing clear thoughts on the man I want to become fuels the rest of the decisions I will make. This picture of a preferred future becomes the framework for everything I do. 

Push The Limits

I want to be a better version of myself in every way: physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and mentally. If I want to make that a reality and not a far-fetched goal, I'm going to need to push myself. I won't see personal improvement unless I'm willing to stretch myself farther than I have before. That's not always a pleasant process, but settling for anything less won't lead me towards the new man I want to be. Bumping into previously unpassed boundaries and surging past them helps me find out what I'm truly capable of.

The Right Thing

Dean Smith is the former head men's basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. He is retired now and is still highly respected throughout the sporting world. He has influenced thousands of people through his coaching and most importantly, through his personal life and character.

The story is told of how he helped to bring about social change in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the home of the university. Desegregation was still part of the society in North Carolina at the time that he began his coaching career-especially in local restaurants. Dean apparently chose to fight this wrong in a very quiet and respectful way. After church one Sunday he invited a member of his church who happened to be black (and a personal friend) to have lunch with him after services. They dined peacefully at this local establishment and their efforts started the process of rectifying this wrong. Even though Dean was not the head coach at the time, he was respected enough that his quiet stance spoke about what was important.

One of the outstanding things about Dean is that when he was asked about this incident he responded by quietly speaking a powerful truth. He said, "You should never be proud of doing what's right. You should just do what's right." This is not only a testimony to his character, but a poignant reminder for each of us. We can do what is right while looking for the spotlight to shine on us or we can just do what should be done for the betterment of us all. Learn to look for ways to do the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. The rewards will be found in an improved society of like-minded people pursuing a mutually beneficial higher calling.

Better

My whole life is a result of being given more than I deserve. I know that I haven't done anything to earn the magnanimity that my life is filled with, but I certainly reap the benefits. This one blog

couldn't possibly describe the generosity of other people that have given to me from my childhood until now. I have friends who are loyal, genuine, and faithful. We have continuously lived in homes that are a direct blessing from other people in our lives. The ministry that I have been part of at Mainland High School, Tomoka Christian Church and now Northridge are all shining examples of unearned blessing. My family is a daily reminder of the gift from God that they are to me & how my efforts could not possibly have brought me this beautiful, loving wife and outstanding daughters.

There really is only one word to describe all of this: grace. It's a perfect gift from a Heavenly Father that is modeled in every other part of my life. They aren't just generous blessings for my own life's sake, but are poignant reminders of the rich gifts of a King that loves to spoil His children. All of these things lead to my greatest need and His most fantastic and elaborate blessing--my salvation. 

His grace has covered me and I am grateful.