He Shall Direct Your PathsHappy New Year, Yokefellows! I wonder when it is no longer appropriate to say that phrase; I mean we are already into the second week of the new year. Something that usually accompanies those wishes is a pocketful of resolutions and promises to self in “this new year.” But as I get older, I find myself making fewer resolutions because I realize that, for the most part, they just don’t work.
But the start of a new year is an exciting time for all of us as individuals and certainly as a ministry. It is a time to look ahead and enjoy a few weeks of down time after the holidays. It’s also time to “jump back in,” time to “open the windows” and let the Holy Spirit freshen us up!
We don’t need to make empty promises of change and feel crushed yet again when we have the same conversation next year at this time. We need to set our goals and get to work.
What exactly is the difference between a resolution and a goal? A resolution is a broad statement of intent to change something or to improve something. Whereas a goal is a specific measurable objective with a desired outcome and a timeframe to accomplish it.
A resolution would be: Get more active, exercise more.
A goal would be: Run a half marathon in under two hours by October.
It is easy in ministry to get excited and make plans to “have it all figured out” by this date and convince ourselves that by this certain time I want this and that, and if I don’t, there is always next year. While it is true there is always next year, if we prayerfully set our goals, keep them within reason, and put in the work, we should be able to achieve what we have planned.
I was in the checkout line at a grocery store this past Friday. I had a cart full of my “resolution of eating healthier foods” – dried cranberries, dried snap peas, wheatgerm along with various fruits and vegetables. If only I had gone to the checkout prior to buying those groceries! As I was waiting I saw a magazine that grabbed my attention. “Rock hard abs in just two minutes a day – all your desired fitness results with half of the effort.” Now I’d like to tell you that I didn't pick up that magazine, and I'd like to tell you that I didn’t put that magazine in my cart but… My point is this: there are no shortcuts. Many of us have served in this ministry for years, and we understand how challenging it can be at times and how we all have to work through frustrating situations – whether it’s facilities not having us back in after years of service or issues arising in our various groups or seemingly endless regulations from the DOC. Whatever it may be, we need to continue to do the work that He has asked of us and to more importantly trust Him while doing so. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
|
