The Rest of Your Story 18: What are your goals?

To start from part one, click here.

I'm saying something scandalous...

You don't have to have goals.

In fact, I think they sometimes distract from what matters most.

Disclaimer: If goals work for you and fit with who God made you, go for it!

For the rest of us, let's talk about Directions.

What if we said, "My heart says God is asking me to go in the direction of ___________________ (being healthier, writing a book, changing jobs, etc.)"? Then we can figure out S.T.E.P.s  to go there.

Suddenly it's about the journey rather than the destination. And that gives us more room to follow God's leading. On the way to the Promised Land the Israelites "traveled and camped wherever the Lord told them to go." The most important part wasn't getting there...it was obedience.

I love this verse from Proverbs, "The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." There's always going to be more growth, change, ground to cover, story to be written.

Sometimes we have the illusion that we can arrive. Shocker: We can't this side of heaven. Embracing that lets us receive grace and celebrate where we are now--loved, accepted, and well on our way.

Life, and our story, is a journey.

Let's ask God for directions.

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TODAY'S QUESTION: What's one "direction" you'd like to go in?

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Comments

[Becky]

Now I feel really upset because I don't know, Holley. I really don't know.

I've been saying for months now that I want what God wants for me. That's the only thing I do know. A friend has told me that she believes God is doing a new thing in my life and that gives me hope. But I don't know what God wants for me either. I guess I don't know much, do I?

This past November, I took a step after the first year of my grief journey. I suppose that was my heart telling me to do something good for me and others. I'm volunteering at a hospital one night a week. I know that that is good for me -- to get out and meet people and give back in memory of my husband -- but I'm also praying and hoping that God can use me to do some good there, too. I'm enjoying that so much but as far as what else my heart is telling me -- I don't know.

That's part of the reason I wanted to be part of this project. I've been hoping it would help me. I pray that it still will. I'll continue to try and listen to my heart today. I'm just afraid my heart isn't talking. Or maybe I don't know how to listen.

[nancy]

I've never been good at setting goals, so it's easy for me to agree with this "scandalous" thought. When I don't have a pre-set notion of where I'm headed, I'm much more desperate to hear God, so I listen. I have no choice but to depend on Him day by day, hour by hour. I still tell my adult children that not knowing what decision to make is a great place to be in prayer--we're more open to hear God when we are genuinely asking Him for direction... and, honestly, that attitude defines my life goal: To listen carefully and to follow God quickly, no matter where He might lead me. I can't think of a more important goal!

[Mari Larkin]

Being confident in God's design for me. To be the best I can for God, health & physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, relationally...etc.I don't do well unless I set some goals each year...but they do need to be realistic.

[Michelle at Graceful]

I love this post, Holley! I need to hear this message every day...that it's about the journey. I am always so fixated on the destination. Thank you so much for the much-needed reminder.

[Holley Gerth]

Dear Becky, I'm so sorry you're upset. You are already going in the direction God has for you right now...and that is healing. When you're grieving a loss, as you are, that's all you need to do. The rest will come with time.

That you have already taken such a big step is amazing! Be proud of yourself, give yourself lots of grace, and know that God dearly loves you and will hold your hand (and heart) and walk with you step-by-step. You're doing great and you're already on your way.

Thank you for your comment. It also made me realize my original question was too big and vague so I updated it. Appreciate you!

Praying for all of you this morning...

[sal]

Yes, Becky as I read your mail I felt my eyes tear not becasue I've been in 'that place' but I could sense your grief and appreciate your honesty. Sometimes it is as if God is silent isn't it? Yet I believe it is at such times that He is truly with us and 'carries' us. I know you will find healing as you reach out and become a comforter to others with the comfort you have recieved. I pledge to pray for you.

I feel God directing me to stop in my tracks...slow down...and pray more often. Yes, I need to listen more too. I have had a journey with pain with OA since 2003 and have experienced so much of God's loving kindness and have a desire to write the lessons I continue to learn from that journey.

[Tamara]

This is a good question and one that I am currently asking God. "What direction do you want me to go?" I so badly want to hear and sense that leading from Him. I am tired of making my own plans or trying to figure it out on my own. I want to know which things on my heart are from Him and which are of my own making. I do sense that He is directing me to find balance and order, and to speak life and quality into my childrens lives. I am challenged to raise my son to be a warrior and hero for his future wife and family, in spite of and because of the fact that his life has not seen it demonstrated. I am reading a great book on that topic right now. Step by step it is about the journey. Praying we all hear His direction.

[Tracy]

It's good to remember I am on a journey. So many times I get caught up in getting to whatever destination I feel I should be going towards and I don't enjoy the journy.

[Cindy Lou]

This morning I am taking my four children to Canada to a music master class. It was one of those 'direction' kind of things because there was no possible way for my husband and I to afford to send them. I was overwhelmed when God opened the way for them to go.

There are so many directions I could go, but the number one direction I want to go is the direction that He wants me to go. There is no better direction than that. Three years ago He asked me to write a book titled, "Restorer of Paths to Dwell in". It is still in chapters on my computer and in my mind. Because it is a brain science topic I keep telling myself I need to know more before I finish it. Today I am saying, "Lord, I am ready, please direct me."

[Maura]

I so understand what it is like to not know what direction you are going in. My prayers are with you too Becky. I have been directionless for the past two years due to deep and dark depression and it is only recently that I have again begun to hear the voice and direction of the LORD. You will not be in the desert forever, my friend. There is hope. When I could not see any hope I had a friend who told me that they would hold it for me until I could hold it myself and this is my prayer for you Becky.I know so clearly that the direction the LORD is leading me right now is embodied in the word "Speak". I have lived my life hiding in fear and being silent, trying to disappear. The more I realize how much GOD loves me and how unfailing His love is, the more I am hearing His voice calling me to break my silence and begin living and speaking His Truth. No more closet Christian. No more living to please others. To be true to the LORD and to become the woman He created me to be, I must begin to speak.