Post by Craig Morgan*
Every year families gather for Fourth of July’s where we grill hot dogs, swim in the lake, and make memories. There’s no doubt that this year will look a little differently than the prior years. Although we can’t see each other in close proximity like before, it will still bring its own memories and make for a time of personal reflection.
It also means HALF of 2020 is over! Therefore, take some time to reflect over what your goals were at the beginning of the year and where you want to end up by December 31.
Have the courage to ask yourself some tough questions, mixed with love and grace when you don’t meet your goals.
1. What were some hindrances to my goals being met?
Of course it feels impossible to set goals when the circumstances are constantly changing, but that doesn’t mean you should give them up completely and go where the wind takes you. It’s important to understand the specific occurrences that hindered you, but always give yourself GRACE.
2. What items were on track or were met?
Just as important of understanding what went off track, we should be taking stock of what went right. We need to celebrate those!
3. How do I set better goals in the future?
Create a more detailed action plan for your goals. This could be a flow chart, or showing how to adapt when interruptions occur. We can at least reference our history of events and notice patterns. If we integrate this into our action plan, we would be much better prepared to make calmer, rational decisions when situations go awry.
4. Are my time horizons realistic?
Another factor is time. It’s undoubtedly the most valuable commodity we have. Are you giving yourself a realistic time frame to complete your goals, looking at your history of goal-setting? Taking baby steps will help you out more than sprinting!
5. Am I leaning on God or myself?
This is a HUGE question. Once you start believing your success is due to your efforts, you are in very dangerous territory. Leaning on God means we are praying over our goals and relationships while listening to the Holy Spirit, letting Him guide us. The Book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and full of truths to reflect upon. Some of my favorites:
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
For most of us, this could well be the most unusual July 4th we will experience. It will not be experienced in person at parades, the beach, or community picnics and concerts. Perhaps it will a small BBQ with immediate family or similar relationships. The holiday concert might be watched on PBS and the community fireworks show streamed on YouTude like my town is doing.
So we choose to make to best if it; rejoice in America’s “Independence” from the tyranny of foreign powers. Pray for our country, and for our leaders to look to God, our Creator. To humble ourselves, repent and seek the grace of God.
And to apply common sense in our navigating around the coronavirus pandemic; to be safe and still have a semblance of a life.
We have had little control over much has been happening in our world the past three months, but we can “look forward” as Craig Morgan challenges us to do. To make plans, and to yet still be nimble in pursuing them. And above all, walk by faith daily knowing that God through his grace, has orchestrated and ordained our “lives” and our days. Our hope and peace (for our souls) is grounded in knowing Jesus and walking in his Spirit.
Where is your hope today? Where are you drawing your peace from?
Have a 4th of July filled with Hope & Peace !
Larry
*Craig Morgan is a National Sales Director with Primerica and the Founder of Blended Together Forever. He was a Former Coach for Cru and a Speaker for Fred Smith Leadership Symposium His Book, Building Blocks for the Blended Family won the People’s Choice Award by the Christian Literary Association. Craig and his wife Gina, have 7 children, 3 grandchildren.
** Article is a re-post from Leading With Questions with Bob Tiede
Jul 02, 2020 07:00 am | Bob Tiede
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