The campfire curled and crackled sending dancing warm gusts around the teens and leaders encircled around the fire. This was the final Wednesday night youth gathering before everyone separated for the summer. A buzz of excitement and anticipation rippled through the crowd as several seniors were preparing to graduate and move on to college. The youth pastor asked, “What summer goals do you have this year?”
A stray voice behind me hollered, “Help with vacation Bible school. Another teen evoked roars of laughter when he grumbled, “My parents are making me get a job.”
I pondered the youth pastor’s question. Like the students, some of us will have ten weeks with a lighter, less rigid schedule this summer. Ten weeks without the burden of packing school lunches, chauffeuring kids to music lessons, and sporting events. If we’re not careful, our summer will erode away with nothing to show for it but a sunburn. Author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar coined the phrase, “If you aim at nothing you hit it every time.”
Why is having a goal important?
Goals keep an endpoint in mind, allowing us to determine our progress toward the goal. Goals provide direction and purpose and prevent aimless wandering.
How can I apply a summer goal?
Unlike the tedious chore of saving decades for retirement, a summer goal is possible to accomplish in a short season. What summer goals do you desire? Do you want to shed those stubborn five pounds? Is there a concert you’d like to see, or a new area in your city you’d like to explore? If so, make it a goal, grab a friend, and go!
Is there a book you desire to read or a new skill you’re eager to learn? Check out your local library. Many area offer classes for adults who want to learn to quilt, sew, or throw pottery. Maybe your goal is to spray paint the patio furniture or power wash the house. Whatever you’ve wanted to do, but never make the time, do it this summer!
Here are a few of my summer goals:
Reconnect with an old friend once a week either by phone or face to face.
Drop off the items I’ve stored for months to rescue mission donation center.
Finish the three partially read books I’m reading.
Drop (for good) five pounds.
What goals do you have in mind? List a few reasonable goals in a place that you will view daily, such as the bathroom mirror or kitchen, and get started.
I’d love to hear from you. What goals do you have this summer?
~April