SMART Goals

This past December I took time to write down a number of personal, family, and ministry goals for 2011.  I was excited about the possibilities that the new year held.  The problem is... I forgot about the list.  Without thinking, life continued on as usual.  My life didn’t all of a sudden go bad, it just stayed to the same.  The purpose of the goals was to enhance the life and call that God had given me and my family.

Goals are an important part of life.  The help us to be good stewards of the life God has given us.  Now that I found my list of goals almost a month into the new year it’s time to get going!  I’m not going to lose them this time.  Each week I will take time to think and pray about my 2011 goals.

I hope you take time to set goals for your life.  Joyce Meyer, in an article I shared with our staff this week, writes about how to set SMART goals.  Set yourself up for success by making sure your goals are SMART goals.

Specific.  Be specific as possible.  Don’t say, “I want to lose wight.”  Write down how much weight in what amount of time.

Measurable.  Goals that are hard to measure are hard to meet.

Attainable.  Make sure the goals are reachable.

Realistic.  Dream big and aim high but don’t set yourself up for disappointment with unrealistic goals.

Timely.  Give yourself a deadline by which to accomplish your goal.

Goals

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

Leslie and I are amazed at how fast the boys are growing. Each new season brings new growth in their lives. Time is flying by. We are sensing now more than ever before the need for setting goals for the parenting of our boys. God gave Leslie and me the stewardship of the young lives of Luke, Matthew, and Mark. Our responsibility is to train them in the way of the Lord and equip them for adulthood. For a life that glorifies God.

So how do we do it? Especially with the uniqueness of personality and variety of giftings our children have? It will require a set of goals, a plan of action, and quality time investing in their lives.

Goals and plans are important. They provide a sense of direction and purpose. They help us track our progress. They allow us to look ahead to a better future. They motivate us to action.

Do you have goals for your parenting? What about some personal goals? It is important to know where we are headed and where we are taking our children. Take time this spring to set some life goals that glorify God. Remember, that’s why each of us were created.

In closing, let me say a big thank you to all of those in our church who are volunteering to help out at this year’s Ascension Convention (www.theascensionconvention.com) this coming Easter weekend, April 1-3. There is no doubt that your involvement is making the difference in the lives of many teenagers lives. There is still time to sign up to help. I can’t wait to see what God has in store!