Living Forward

Living Forward

Living Forward

“Do you want the peace that comes from knowing what matters most to you – and how to fill your days, weeks, months and years with actions that will enable you to make the greatest difference possible?”

I was challenged by this question as I read Living Forward by Michael Hyatt. The reality for my life (and possibly for yours) is that drift happens. We can start out headed in one direction and we drift away from it.

When we drift off course, it can result in confusion, expense, lost opportunity and pain.

  • Without a plan for our health – physical, mental and spiritual – we can end up sick and without energy.
  • Without a plan for our marriage, we can end up distant and miserable.
  • Without a plan for our ministry or career, we can end up unfulfilled or stalled.
  • Without a plan for our parenting, we end up with estranged relationships.

Drifting can also bring a string of regrets. We end up with a grocery list of “IF ONLYs”…

  • If only I had eaten better, exercised more or taken better care of my body…
  • If only I had prayed more and meditated on the Bible…
  • If only I had spent more time to connect with my spouse, listening rather than talking, seeking to understand rather than being understood…
  • If only I had been more present with my kids – going to games and recitals, taking them camping, explaining how to navigate life…
  • If only I had been more generous, giving away my time, talent and money, trying to help those who needed a hand…

You’ve heard it said – “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”

Here’s the good news – our decisions are the one thing we can control.

As you look ahead to the rest of 2020 (and the rest of your life) – make choices that really count. Make a plan with purpose. Know what really matters in your life. When you have a plan, every day becomes an opportunity to move toward your goals and dreams.

This past week, I had the opportunity to speak to pastors and spouses in the East Central Region of the Missionary Church. I shared with them how they can develop a LIFE PLAN – and I want to share this powerful process with you. Here’s a simple definition…

A LIFE PLAN is a short, written document, usually eight to fifteen pages long. It is created by you – for you. It describes how you want to be remembered. It articulates your personal priorities. It provides the specific actions necessary to take you from where you are to where you want to be in every major area of your life. It is most of all a living document that you will tweak and adjust as necessary for the rest of your life.

Here are 3 Important Questions to consider:

  1. How do I want to be remembered?
  2. What matters most?
  3. How can I get from here to where I want to be?

If you’d like to invest some time in developing your Life Plan – download this helpful template to get started. And feel free to email me or call me with any questions. I’d love to encourage you as you live out your calling!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”