As I write this blog baseball’s World Series is happening between two teams that have not been a part of the “Big Show” in many years. Tonight either the Chicago Cubs or the Cleveland Indians will win and be named the best team in baseball for the 2016 season.
The Today Show featured a woman named “Nana” as her family calls her. Nana turned is 104 this year. She said who would have thought this is how her life would turn out.
Quit quitting.
As usually happens when people live in old age, “What has been the secret to your long life?” She smiled and said it’s about love, friends, and family. Her granddaughter said she’d thought it through and had an answer too.
“At age 90 Nana thought she was about done with life. She had lived many wonderful years, but her husband of many decades was gone. Most of her friends and many of the relatives she was close to had passed away. But then something happened that steered in a new direction. Nana looked at her life and extended family and all the events she wanted to be a part of before she passed away. There were graduations. There were marriages and births and careers all her offspring we still going to experience. In other words, she was going to live long enough to be part of some crucial goals to which she felt called.
To boot, she decided to live long enough to see the Indians go to the World Series and hopefully win.”
Be an “Adjust-er” and God will work through you.
I have read dozens – no exaggeration – books about the vital importance of setting goals. During college, I put together a dozen goals that thrilled me. Each was a biggie. I didn’t realize it at the time, but only God they were only going to hit the target if God breathed on them.
Church plants and their leaders who set clear goals are all fine and dandy. I recommend planters establish those. But some of the measurable goals we usually see as part of evaluating our success are only a small part of the picture.
Nana has hit the head of the nail with her new life goals – especially those that include relationships.
Relax.
Where are you with your goals these days? No matter where you are, even if you a sprite 103 compared to Nana, it’s probably time to think them through. Take to heart this truth – God has a lot more for you to experience. It’s not about accomplishing this or that, but simply being you. It’s about you bringing the love and presence of God to shape many others – to draw them into a greater love for Jesus.
You and I will carry out the great plan of God as we commit to what he has in mind. Usually, that has more to do with us lightening more on ourselves and trying less.
