Plan to Set Goals

Most people tend to drift through life. They are not intentional or focused, and as a result, nothing changes in them or around them. Pastor and author Levi Lusko powerfully describes this dynamic: “Unless something changes, the future you will be an exaggerated version of the present you.”

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

‭Proverbs 16:9 ESV‬

If that mental picture discourages you, I have good news! With God’s grace, “future you” doesn’t have to be an exaggerated version of “present you.”

So far in this plan, we’ve talked about making the most of this summer by putting God first, paying attention to grief, and practicing gratitude. Finally, I encourage you to lean into God’s grace by putting together goals.

What are you looking forward to this summer? Are there events, experiences, or opportunities you are preparing for and working towards?

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.

‭Habakkuk 2:2 ESV‬

One reason many people don’t get excited or hopeful about the future is that they don’t have any goals. Our family was in this spot a while back. I didn’t sense a ton of excitement about the upcoming summer.

So, I pulled out a giant Post-it note – the kind you may have seen used in a brainstorming session or meeting at the office. Then, I gave every family member 15-20 small post-it notes. I told them I wanted them to write down everything they wanted to do that summer. This list could include trips they wanted to take, family experiences, meals to make, movies to watch, or books to read. I clarified that we weren’t promising that every idea would happen, but we would consider them all.

We had a family meeting where everyone read off their Post-it notes. I collected all the Post-It notes for my wife and me to review. We eliminated some for budget reasons and explained that to the child who came up with the idea. But, at the end of that weekend, we had over 80 Post-it notes in our pile that we wanted to put on the wall. It took two giant Post-It notes to categorize and list the events. The list included all the movies we wanted to see in theaters, the trips we would take, the meals we’d make as a family, and the people we’d spend time with.

While we didn’t complete the entire list by the end of the summer, we crossed over 75% of the items off the list! We had far more intentional experiences together than we would have otherwise. Making our summer bucket list as a family is now something our kids ask about each year as the school year draws to a close. They look forward to creating a plan, making the most of the summer, and feeling a part of the process.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

‭Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV‬

When I had this idea, I couldn’t imagine the ownership and creativity this simple activity would create in my kids. I didn’t realize the power of writing down our vision for the summer and watching it come to life. This process led to a Bible reading practice as a family over dinner multiple times per week. God bore so much fruit from the simple idea of setting goals and being intentional together.

As this plan ends, I encourage you to hold your summer loosely. You have yet to learn what surprises and unexpected events are in store for you. This summer may be easier than expected, but it might be much more complicated, too.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

‭Philippians 3:12-14 ESV‬

Regardless of your finances and the events outside your control, you can make the most of it when you put God first, pay attention to grief, practice gratitude, and set goals with your family. Don’t underestimate what God can do when you invite Him to work in and through you this summer!