Let's Goal

This summer has been great to think about the importance of goals. I’ve always embraced the value of goals personally, but it’s been a season of passing that value along. We’ve entered the teenage years as a family and it’s definitely a game changer. Our children are growing increasingly independent, and it’s been interesting to see their decision making. I find myself coaching my older children through decisions rather than making their decisions. It’s a new season and the growth is exciting to see.

There is a lot of joy seeing your children achieve their goals. That recently happened in a big way with Elliott’s team winning the Virginia Junior Little League State Championship. It was a great achievement and a goal that started over a year ago. Teenage boys don’t always think futuristically so it was a privilege to observe this journey, even the painful beginning. All but two of the current 12 teammates walked off a baseball field this time last year two runs short of a state title. It was through the pain of defeat that a new goal emerged. Next year things would be different.

Throughout the year these young men embraced the hard. Practice, lessons, reps, games, they all had one eye on this summer’s goal. Goals are important because we all have those immediate cravings. It’s hard to defer pleasure but that’s the power of a goal. Foregoing what we want today for a better tomorrow. Great things aren’t achieved like a flash in a pan; great things happen through long commitment in the same direction. We tend to overestimate what can be accomplished in the short term and underestimate what can be accomplished in the long term.

It wasn’t easy but this year was different. The team had two extra inning games and prevailed to beat Dulles in the state championship! It was a sweet victory because it was the culmination of a goal. A goal achieved with friends is the best of celebrations! They moved on to the regional tournament, and even though they came up short, I saw the look in their eyes walking off the field. If I was a betting man, I’d say this team will achieve a new goal next year!

I’ve used the word goal, but we could just as easily substitute the biblical word vision. It’s exciting to see the next generation setting a vision and achieving their goals but we never outgrow the need for goals. Vision infuses life into every season!

Without vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18

What’s the vision for your life in this current season? It’s an important question to consider. We never age out of the need for vision. God has given us a unique set of abilities, experiences, and personality and has numbered our days. None are wasted. Your life is too significant to squander. Imagine what God could do through a commitment to a godly goal in the season ahead!