Goal Setting is for Sissies

Our culture venerates goal setters and planning. God doesn't.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16

We really don't know what tomorrow holds. I believe we should work hard, and of course, we need to set goals and plan and build. But guess what? Your life will not go as you plan. But that is ok. In fact, it's how it is supposed to be.

Those who try to control their lives (all of us), will be disappointed. So work hard, but be ready for speed bumps, detours, accidents, and surprising unexpected new directions.

And don't be anxious. The God of the universe is in control. And the really great news is that he loves you - more than you love your kids (can you really grasp that?). And he directs your life, which looks to us like some good and some bad. But ultimately all good.

Our lives are nothing more than training for the eternal. Enjoy the good days, embrace them and celebrate them with passion. But don't despair too much over the bad days. It's all working out as intended. Believe it, and relax.