Goal Setting

“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.” (Proverbs 16:9 TPT)

The dream of someday running a marathon had been secretly buried in my heart for decades. I would run shorter distances, but 26.2 miles seemed too big of a goal. There were too many hurdles: lack of time, lack of athleticism, knee pain, other commitments, etc. It wasn’t until my late forties that I finally found a coach who helped me to get past my mental blocks. He gave me a training plan and held me accountable. He pushed me to do more than I imagined I could. He taught me to embrace discomfort. In the last three years, I’ve run six marathons and an ultramarathon. These distances do not scare me anymore. I know it will require training, sacrifice, commitment, and pain. However, I also know I can get through it with some direction and accountability.

Now I use the lessons I learned from marathon training to approach other types of goals. I want to be authentic, healthy, circumspect, intentional, resilient, bold, empathetic, and empowering. I yearn to understand Truth and express it. I hope to grow in self-acceptance and gratitude. I desire justice, goodness, and fairness. I do NOT want anyone to suffer--but if there is suffering, I hope it is never squandered. 

God has placed these desires within my heart. I have been given a lifetime to achieve these goals. I am unsure what course the Lord will choose to get me there. But this I know--I need daily instructions and accountability. I have to work toward my goals in small, consistent steps. Procrastination, distraction, and discouragement are hurdles I must overcome. I must keep my eyes focused on the goal, fight the good fight, finish the full course, and keep my heart full of faith.