Earlier this month, I attended a team meeting in Atlanta. I always look forward to these annual meetings. They are energizing and fun, full of team spirit. We have the opportunity to get to know one another. At the beginning of the year, attendees filled out a questionnaire that included the question, "What is your personal goal for 2016?" I wrote that my personal goal is to finish writing a book.
The truth is, I have had that goal for many years. Finally, several years ago, I began writing a devotional. I continue to work on that book, but I don't think it will be finished by the end of this year. So, when I wrote that my goal is to finish writing a book, I had another book in mind.
The meeting organizers compiled the questionnaires into notebooks that were handed out when we arrived to the meeting. It was fun to peruse the information and find out new things about my colleagues! During the meeting, one of the group exercises was to match the name with the response, and my name was one of them. When the exercise was finished, the facilitator came to each person who was "spotlighted" and gave him or her the microphone to explain the response. Oh no... what am I going to say? I have to say something about the book! Which book should I mention? I have lots of book ideas churning deep inside of me, waiting to come out. But, I didn't want to talk about the devotional book because I am certain it will not be finished by the end of this year. When the microphone was handed to me, I decided to briefly describe one of my other book ideas (a novel).
People came up to me and said, "I can't wait to read your book!" "It's going to be a TV series, or a movie!" I had a heavy feeling of accountability after that meeting. Now everyone knows my goal and I really have to do this! I must finish a book by the end of this year!
I never intended for my goal to become so "public." But, rather than being disappointed that the microphone came my way and being reluctantly put on the spot, I decided to trust the Lord. Sometimes these things happen for a reason. Oh Lord, thank you for pushing me to reach my goal of writing a book!
I know from experience that, when you set a goal, you must take small steps toward it. So, last week I went to the Apple store and bought a laptop. Time for my second step. I set up a second e-mail account. I bought a domain name. I started this blog. My next step is to create a company to publish the book.
I am going to track my experience as I move toward finishing my book! Hopefully, readers of this blog may be inspired to set and reach their own goals, one small step at a time.
Devotion
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you hope and a future....
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11,13
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the circumstances that lead us to set our own personal goals. You know the future, and you have plans for each of us. Help me to discover your plan as I move along in this journey. I will keep my eyes on you, and I will strive to follow your will as I take steps toward my goal. Please lead me according to your will. I pray that you will inspire readers and lead them to take a small first step toward their own goals! In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
