We’ve all reached various stages in life, satisfied that something we’ve hoped or planned for is finally arriving. Promotion. Grandkids. Retirement. Relocation. Even a vacation. You name it. We’ve waited for it a long time, and finally it’s coming!
Through the years we’ve hoped and planned for the future. Now, we are living in that future. Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Does the realization meet your expectations? What will you do about it now?
An example would be my bride’s retirement. We’ve been hitched for nearly 47 years and 2020 was the forecasted year of the great retirement. So she did. Then C-19 knocked on our collective door, and where we hoped for certain events, well, let’s just say we’ve been disappointed on several fronts. She will brag about her pandemic dogs (our German Shepherds) as the main thing that got her through this season. But we also know that had we known, she could have worked from home for 18 months and enjoyed the experience. She loves to work from home!
One Milestone Reached, Another Is Still In Front
Okay. We’ve reached a particular and much sought for milestone. There are still dozens in front of us! We’re not content to simply sit in our rocking chairs! Miles to go, and many promises are still waiting for fulfillment.
You may have far-reaching plans, but there’s also the opportunity for spontaneity to meet the short range options of the next 8 hours! No longer do you have to rush the clock to meet “work” deadlines, but there’s nothing wrong to enjoy the relaxing day to take a drive or eat a leisurely meal. We had hoped to have some “Emma” time, but C-19 put that on the back burner for another year of waiting. Travel? Practically impractical. Sell the house, buy land and build a new house? Have you seen lumber prices???!!! Wreck the car and need a replacement. Have you seen car prices???!!!
Life has a way of dictating options where only the well-endowed wealthy and the desperate are able to rise to the challenge. One by an attitude of “money doesn’t matter” and the other with a cry, “what else could I do?”
Personal Goals
One thing I’ve learned, and this is very personal for me, my own goals are not going to be impacted by the challenges of the day. Perhaps they will be reorder and rearranged, but if I say I’m going to mow the yard on my tractor, then watch out! I’m mowing the yard! If it’s not till dark, my tractor has headlights!
Often, the only thing that will change my plan will be “a new plan!” Yes. Guilty. Sometimes the challenges are insurmountable and the plan must adapt to the moment.
This got me to thinking about the Apostle Paul’s plan to evangelize the world as much as was in his power to do. God had given him marching orders to reach the Gentiles, Kings, and his own people. (Acts 9:15-16) What must his personal goals looked like?
We can only imagine his challenges. The pressure to “announce the good news” along with the limitations that we see around his corner. Travel. Helpers. Authorities. Health. Time. Distance. Financial support.
Still, there came a day when everything was done, and he was ready for the last step.
“For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:”
2 Timothy 4:6-7 (KJV)
I wonder if all his personal goals had been met. How ready was he?
My Next 33 Years
We often divide our lives by ages and experiences. From childhood, we live as an adult, then a senior on our way out. Each category is broken down into even smaller segments. Toddlers and Teens come to mind.
Well, I’m planning for the next 33.6 years. Yes. I want to make it to 100. Triple digits. Hmmm…. How old was Jesus at his end?
My first 33 years took me from Texas to Alaska. My next 33 years took me back to Texas, and then back to Alaska, and now, Washington. Will my next 33 years take me back to Alaska? Probably. Well, at least on a vacation.
I have found I’m always looking “over” the next horizon and seeing myself in that space and time. Where will the next 33 years take me? Antarctica calls. Asia. Australia. Africa. South America. It’s a deep bucket list that will probably never be satisfied. Why? It looks expensive!
Well. No matter the cost, the bucket will be emptied at whatever pace I can satisfy. It’s a personal goal, and I’m bound to do as much of it as possible!
How about you? What’s been on your list that’s a long time coming? Getting excited?