It's Not The Goal That Matters Most

We've talked about setting goals on a couple of occasions....but let me give you another perspective on the issue.

There have been countless books and articles written about the need to set specific goals. It's been said that without goals there can be no achievement - so we're encouraged to make a detailed list of everything we want, from professional achievements to material acquisitions.

The problem with this line of thinking is that it forces us to focus on the wrong thing. Success isn't found in keeping an eye on the destination, but by taking care of the details of the journey. Sure, it's important to know where you're going and goal-setting has its place. But more important than the final goal is the route we take in getting there.

See, you can have goals, or "targets", but you can't control the "target". Targets tend to move and have a way of being missed. But I can control the process; I can control the steps I take.

It's this way in all aspects of life. A salesman can't control his income, but he can control how many calls he makes, and how well he knows his presentation. An athlete can't control the final score, but he can control how he gets ready for the game and how hard he plays. Parents can't control the decisions their children make, but they can control the amount of time, love, patience and forgiveness they pour into their children's lives.

Theologian Henri Nouwen once said, "We cannot make it rain, but we can see to it that the rain falls on prepared soil." And realistically......this is as far as our contribution to success goes.

Friends, if your goal is heaven......and I pray that it is.......then it's important that we tend to things down here on our journey. I love what the apostle Paul wrote to a young man named Timothy about this very issue. He said, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for hispurpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master touse you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)

I encourage you to keep your eye on the goal, but keep your focus on the journey. Take it one step at a time......following God.......trust Him forHis help all along the way. Then, when you achieve the ultimate goal......celebrate!!!

I look forward to celebrating with you!!!