… or is it?
eFriends Blake and Rick recently did a mind dump/resolution list for 2010. I guess i’ll kick off my blog again in the same manner…
I’ve become a goal/vision oriented guy; I like spontaneity, and I hate scheduling certain aspects of my life, but I’ve realized that purpose drives action. I am constantly re-evaluating where I am and where I am going. I hope (and try) to keep Christ at the center of both of those areas. I’ve targeted three high-level areas to focus on in 2010. Each area will in turn have several smaller areas of focus. Here are those three areas and where I’m currently at with each:
Health - This is where the “Same Ol’ Song and Dance” comes from. I can’t shake this one off the list. I need “Fat Rehab for Fat People who Aren’t Lazy But Just Never Work Out or Eat Right”… There is hope, though. Last year during a two month span I indeed lost 13 lbs (most of which I kept off). I know how I did it, and I have already re-implemented the plan. This will again probably be a thorn in my side and a source of frustration… and as cliche as this is in the area of “resolutions,” I don’t want to look back 10 years from now and still dance right along to this same music.
Family - My first ministry is to my family. Of my three daughters, one is old enough to understand and live out the core of our faith as Christ followers. I want to foster growth and wisdom in her life. I want her to learn to tap into the spirit of generosity and love that God has woven into her very being. I will do this a variety of ways, but primarily through consistent study of scripture along side of her. This week, we will finish our study of Philippians.
We have also, as a family, started reading Bible stories together for the purpose of giving our middle daughter (who is five) a better understanding of why we are who we are and what God has to do with it all. I want to make sure that I do not ignore her needs as a young child simply because she can’t quite grasp as much as I want her too.
For both of these girls (and eventually the third when she is older, but not during 2010), I have had a standing goal of “dating my daughters” for several months now. I plan on making this a normal part of our lives.
For my wife, I want to see us grow together spiritually. Even after 10 years of marriage, we have so much to learn about each other. I want us to embrace God’s plan for our lives by responsibly cultivating our relationship with Him (together and individually), as well as through the constant sharpening of the gifts He has so graciously given us. On an equally important note, I want to show her how much I cherish her. I think I fail to do this far too often.
Ministry Vision - I am a believer in Missional Living. Our design and identity as Christians is our design and identity at all times, regardless of situation, vocation, or church standing. It befits us to keep the Kingdom perspective at the forefront of our thoughts; we are created as vessels for Christ in the Kingdom of God (Eph 2:10). It is God’s work in us, but we must be willing vessels. I want to make sure that my heart is soft and my spirit is willing to allow God to transform me into the specific vessel that He wants me to be in all areas of my life. I have a long way to go…
That said, I do feel strongly that the specific vision for ministry that He has placed on my heart will eventually lead me into a vocational ministry (honestly, I doubt I’d pay for an education in my field of study if I didn’t believe this). Until recently, the vision was muddy. Over the last few weeks, though, a specific sense of clarity and direction has flooded my heart. 2010 is a year to define, develop, and even implement part of this vision.
The rest of the story - Both within and outside of the context of the above areas, I have several other mind-trinkets I want to pursue and/or expand: Reading, writing, enabling, training, teaching, stretching, and so on…
All in all, I am honestly pumped for 2010. I feel more focused than I remember feeling in the past. I know I will go through peaks and valleys, but my trust and strength is in Christ. In fact, I know from my own personal history that if I put my trust and strength in me, I would have nothing to be pumped about… So, let’s enjoy the ride and see God work wonders in 2010.