Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Thinking Big

Thinking Big

Yesterday I unearthed my typewritten list titled “Goals - 2009” from among the hodge-podge of papers in the utility room drawer. I read them through and wondered if 365 days had really passed since I had sat down at my computer with excitement and hopefulness and put these goals to paper. But as I read them, they seemed almost unfamiliar and, well, even boring in comparison to the year I just enjoyed. The goals were measurable, a bit of a challenge, and attainable if I worked at it; but as I re-read the list, my shoulders shrugged ho-hum. They were unremarkable.

I tossed the list back into the drawer (I realize this is not a good filing practice) and stared out the window. Wow. I didn’t accomplish a single goal on that piece of paper, yet I had a fantastic year. My vision for 2009 had been “measurable, a bit of a challenge, and attainable if I worked at it,” but God’s vision for my year held much, much more.

Ephesians 3:20-21 came to my mind:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

How good God is, to supersede my too-small vision of life and ministry with His exceedingly abundant richness of experience!

I look back on 2009, not with guilt for failing to accomplish the goals that seemed reasonable to me, but with gratitude that God directed my life toward blessings and opportunities that were remarkable.

Matthew Henry said, “Let us expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls.” This week, when I sit down at the computer and type “Goals - 2010,” I’m going to think big.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for continuing your ministry to me after 36 years when you and Pancho taught the 7th (?) grade Sunday school class at First Baptist in Ingleside.

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