“Life is a culmination of the past, an awareness of the present, an indication of a future beyond knowledge, the quality that gives a touch of divinity to matter.”   Charles Lindbergh

There’s nothing wrong with setting goals.  By planning our futures we’re being wise stewards of our time and talents.  At an early age, we learn to tie our shoes or ride a bike.  When we begin school, we realize that we don’t achieve without knowledge.  Our parents often remind us that we aren’t working up to our potential.  As we become teens we start thinking about relationships and where they will go. 

Once we leave the educational system, reality sets in – and I’m not talking about the kind you see on many of today’s television shows.  We find that the goals we’re setting may be unattainable.  We run into roadblocks that slow down the race.  We get beat up by disappointment, failure, desperation, hopelessness. By the time we reach our senior years it doesn’t seem important to set goals.  We may wonder. “What’s the use?”   The main achievement on any given day is getting out of bed.

Running a race requires watching our diet, training our minds to focus on the goal and preparing physically. Because these things tend to turn our focus inward, we forget to set our eyes on the final destination. We put all of our attention into what WE can accomplish by our own actions, rather than asking for help.

Look forward to the final destination, while keeping these things in mind:

• The race is being run daily.  Look at each day as an opportunity.
• We are not alone.
• Plan each step for the future with the knowledge that there will be road blocks.
• The Word of God, the Bible is our manual for how to live.
• We can do all things with God’s intervention.
• The prize has already been won.  
• Our victory is assured through Jesus, Christ.

Dear Father in heaven, I’ve already won the eternal prize through your forgiveness.  As I run through the rest of the race continue to nourish me through your Holy Word. Help me realize that you are right there beside me – encouraging, lifting me up, supporting me and giving me the hope of my future with you.  Keep my vision focused on you and your amazing grace and use me to share that wonderful message with others.  Amen!