SET GOALS & PRIORITIES

I have posted this before because it's a piece of encouragement that's a big part of my life... or at least it should be. 

A long time ago I set up this acrostic for myself to remind me of my purpose in life... To let my light shine. I SHINE because I am the light of the world according to Jesus in Matthew 5. In Proverbs 13:9 we are reminded that "the light of the righteous shines brightly..." My little poetic reminder just gives me guidance as to what I believe in my heart I should be doing to let my little light shine. 

The S stands for setting goals. The Bible tells us that "Where there is no vision the people parish." Proverbs 29:18. This was the motto of my home church where I grew up; so it's burned on my soul like a brand. I sure don't want to parish. I need to know where I am going each day. So I make a list... Not too long.  There are about a million other things I'd like to get done, but I know better than to let myself be overwhelmed.  If you are like me (one who gets distracted or overwhelmed easily), then you should keep your list short too. Prioritize. What HAS to be done today?  What CAN you successfully accomplish? Put those on your SHINE list. Remember: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as sure as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5