In my youth, I worked in a camp, and we were asked to set goals for ourselves each summer.  They were divided into Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual.  On top of that, we were asked to set goals that were challenging, but attainable–and measurable as well!  It was a tall order for a high school student, but I found that I grew from it.

I have been more and less disciplined at different times in my life, but one thing that I have realized through all of it is that I am more likely to complete a goal if I share it with other people, and they support me.  I think the same is true for most people.

So I am going to invite (but not require) you to share your goals for 2010 in worship during the month of January.  You will do well to divide them up as I do–physical, emotional, and spiritual, but you may do them any way you wish.  In sharing our goals with one another, we will be more likely to grow together.

If you are really bold, you may want to set goals in other areas of your life:  How will you work for Justice in 2010?  How about practicing good stewardship of God’s resources?  How will you tell God’s story?  How will you practice generosity?  What risks might you to take to grow?

Secondly, I want you to consider what our goals as a community might be.  I have some ideas–but I want to hear yours first.  One guideline: too often, churches focus only on the ABC’s, attendance, buildings, and cash.  These are important things, but they are secondary.  If we are clear about our mission, about doing what God has prepared for us, the ABCs will follow.  If we make ABC’s our goals, we will under-cut those very goals, because they are all MEANS, and we need to work to ENDS.

Anyway, I will get the ball rolling by sharing some personal goals:

1.  PHYSICAL:  I will exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes, 3 days a week.  I will eat fast food less than once a month.

2.  SPIRITUAL:  I will pray through a psalm daily.  I will incorporate the “Jesus Prayer” into my daily activities. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Prayer)

3.  EMOTIONAL:  I will write for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week (non-church writing).  With the help of a professional, I will make a plan to treat my ADHD and follow it.

You are invited to offer proposals for 2010 goals in the comments section of this post.