8/17/2010 10:51:35 AM "You don't seize your big moments in a single moment. Those opportunities come because you seized all your small moments before it." [Jacoby Ellsbury, outfielder, Boston Red Soz]
"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself" .
Every January gives us an opportunity to look back, see how well we have run our race the previous year, make some adjustments, and then run our race again the next year.
For me the "running" metaphor used by Paul really resonates since I do enjoy running. In 2009, I realized my "road" running had hit a plateau and my bigger dream of qualitying for the Boston Marathon (the only marathon I know of that requires a qualifying time in order to enter) wasn't going to happen until my 90th birthday! So I took action mid-way through the year, found a coach and a running club to run with and am now progressing towards my goal.
In our lives and ministry we hit similar plateaus from time to time. What it takes is the realization that we are in fact on a plateau and need to get the necessary support and partnership to move through that phase to where God is taking us.
As a coach working with leaders and with congregations in Transition or Re-visioning, I'm learning a few things about what it takes to run the race with perseverance and avoid the "napping" that Paul speaks about.
In this article, I want to invite you to Reflect, Recalibrate, and Run your race in 2010 with purpose and renewed energy. I offer you a few questions and activities to help with your transition from one decade to another. Add or subtract from this list of questions and activities to make this meaningful for you and others.
Questions & Activities to Help You Run
Strong in 2010
Part 1: Reflect
"You don't need to apologize for the gifts you've been given. Only apologize for not using them." [Sister Madonna Buder, 77, the oldest woman to complete the Ironman Hawaii]
What did you accomplish in 2009 that was consistent with the purposes you believe God called you to?
Where did you allow yourself to get distracted from "the best" in order to do "the good"?
What is your passion in life? (What is it that God has called you to be about?)
Part 2: Recalibrate
What are the five main priorities (goals) you will seek to complete in 2010?
What do you need to say "no" to in order to see those five priorities accomplished?
Who do you need to bring around you to provide enough support and partnership to accomplish these five priorities?
Part 3: Run
"The most important aspect of training is consistency." [Jennifer Toomey, U.S. 800-meter runner]
Break your main priorities or goals into action items and integrate those into your schedule.
Remember: Keep who you are becoming as a Christ follower forefront in your mind and let the "doing" flow from your relationship with Christ.
Running races involves training. Much of our success in life is about what we do when no one if looking. Make sure you pay attention to the unseen (by others) areas of your life so that you remain healthy and whole including soul care, body care, mind care and heart care).
Find a pace that fits who you are and enjoy the journey! If you've lost your joy or lost touch with your calling or allowed yourself to get out of balance, take a little extra time and get some extra help to get back on track with who you are and what it is you are suppose to be doing in the world.
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself!
May your run in 2010 be a true reflection of who you were designed to be by the Master Himself and what you were assigned to do!
