2014 Goals

Over the past week or two, I have been working on goals for the new year.  I work well from a position of “To Do Lists” and targets, so it’s natural for me to create new goals heading into 2014.  I want to be intentional with how I live my life, and I believe a list of goals can be a huge part of being intentional.

Last night, I took time to write them down.  Actually, each member of our family wrote down at least 5 goals for the new year.  We shared them with each other as a way to make the goals real.  The kids wrote goals in these five areas:  spiritual, fitness, academic, financial, and interest.  It was pretty amazing to see their goals for 2014.  For example, Isaac wants to put $20 in the bank each month, and Hannah wants to qualify for PACs in the mile.

My list included spiritual goals, marriage goals, family goals, fitness goals, financial goals, work goals, academic goals, and writing goals.  I hope and plan to accomplish each of the things written down on this list; however, I’m not convinced this will happen.  And I’m okay with this.

At the bottom of my 2014 goal list, I wrote a verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

I want my goals and plans to be God’s plans for me in 2014.  And this may mean some of my goals need to be refined, refocused, and possibly removed.  And so I start 2014 with this prayer:

God, Thank you for a fresh start today and every day.  I have many goals and ideas for the new year.  Each of these plans is nothing without you.  Ans so I give you my agenda.  Make my goals your goals and plans for me.  Where I am off base correct me.  Where I am right on encourage me.  Surround me with people who will keep me pointed at You, and use me in the lives of others to do the same.  May 2014 be a year of amazing blessing and stretching.  Amen.

Do you set goals or resolutions for the new year?  Why or why not?  What is one of your goals for 2014?