Where Are You Going?

What is the one common denominator in all our lives regardless of where you live, the size and scope of your ministry or your family situation?

We are all BUSY! Almost everyone I know is “busy.” Even if they really aren’t busy, they feel compelled to say they are busy because everyone else is.

We all agree life is just a little more complicated than it used to be and it does not seem to be letting up. But no matter what demands or expectations are placed on my shoulders, the stewardship of my time rests in my hands. Sure there are a lot of things that are outside our control (we call that having a family and a job), but at the end of the day I am responsible for how I invested or wasted those hours.

This idea of “time” and the “stewardship of time” have been heavy on my heart lately and will be the centerpiece of our new theme in Saddleback Kids in 2013. I am convinced it will be a life changing ministry season for us as we explore and learn how to make the most of our time.

With that in mind, I have one question for you to consider today, “Where are you going?” I am not talking about your family vacation or your lunch plans for today. Rather, what is the direction of your life?

If you have been around me, heard me speak or read much of my poetry (the last part is a joke), then you know I am a firm believer in asking the right questions in order to find the right solutions. I want to challenge you to be bold enough to stop the craziness and busyness of your life and take some time to simply think and contemplate that question, “where am I going?” The answer to that question has a direct bearing on the direction of your personal life and ministry.

I know, I know, it is the Christmas season and you might be thinking “this is the worst possible time for me to even begin that process.” Well with all due respect, I disagree. I think it is a great time to do it. Why? Because “tomorrow,” that season where you have more freedom and margin, never comes because you must create it.

Here is the painful truth, I create time for what I truly value. Let me remind you of this fact that you are already aware of, life will not voluntarily stop for you. Well, actually it will and we call that death. It is like this…life moves like the ocean. If you do not paddle, the waves will crash you into the shore every time.

Yes it is crazy, busy and hectic this time of year, but this is the perfect time to intentionally stop everything, even if it is for a few minutes, and consider the question “Where am I going?” You do not have to take hours at a time. If you can, that is awesome, but even a few minutes is a good start. I will probably write about this process a little more in the next few weeks. But for now, start with that simple question. A question that could be the game changer you need for the upcoming year.

Don’t wait. Make it happen today…“Where are you going?”