Adventure Awaits!

We have almost reached the conclusion of 2010. In less than 48 hours another year will be in the history books. How was your year? Did you experience the life you'd hoped you would 360'ish days ago? Any big wins? Any major misses? For many of us, these next few days will be filled with a party or two, some celebrating, some reflecting, hopefully lots of laughter and time with cherished relationships.

I am not a big fan of resolutions - but that's mostly due to the fact that I'm lousy at keeping them. In years past I've tried to make the list of goals and stick to 'em, and for the most part my attempts at producing lasting change crash and burn sometimes before "Day 2" rolls around!
A couple years ago I was determined that I would journal every day of the year. I made a plan and had all these great ideas of how I'd stick to it. We celebrated the end of the prior year simply (as usual). January 1st I recall having a very good day with my family. I don't recall all that we did, just that I really enjoyed just being together and doing nothing exceptional. I woke up on the 2nd, and did a mental, "Doh!" In the fun and frolic with the family, I'd completely forgotten my great plans for writing...and without my checkmark in the "Day 1" box my plans to journal all my brilliantly deep insights for the entire year just swirled down the drain.

I won't attempt to start the year with resolutions. Rather I'm will start the year with an idea of what I want to look back on at the conclusion of 2011. I have a few thoughts, some broad strokes, that reflect the picture I'd like to paint of my life this year.

1) I want to spend more time on creative endeavors. Over the past few years (decade-plus) I've neglected to improve the artistic talents and skills I've been given. I will make some adjustments this year. I will create more.

2) I want to consume less. I am intrigued by Dave Bruno's 100 Thing Challenge. (Buy his book here. **) I would like to minimize my stuff to only what I really need and use. Beyond that I want to be a good steward of all the resources I have been given...time, money, food, health, relationships, etc. In his book Dave reminds us that by definition a consumer is a destroyer or squanderer (that may be a fake word!). I don't want to squander my life.

3) I want to increase in faith. In Hebrews 11 we are reminded that without faith it is impossible to please God. We must believe that God exists and that he cares enough to respond to us. As I read the last few chapters of Hebrews I am reminded of many of the Bible heros and that it was their faith in God that caused them to take action. I want to take faithful action. For me that means a greater focus on ministry opportunities both at home and abroad. There is much to develop here, but I want to be about the work that I believe God has set before me.

4) I want to be free of "Depraved Indifference" in my life. Please take a few minutes to watch the video below. I've viewed it several times and each time I'm moved to tears. I believe you will be changed if you allow yourself to be. I want to be the body of Christ in operation on this earth. I want to go to the low places and serve in new ways in the coming years. I dare you to do the same...



5) I want to grow in the five primary themes of my life:

I - Follow Jesus
II - Build a Legacy
III - Improve the World
IV - Create Art
V - Explore Adventures

In developing in these five core areas, I will positively impact myself, my family, my friends, my community, and the world around me - near and far. It's up to me to stay focused and to produce. No one else is going to.

So what about you?

What's in store for your 2011?

What picture are you going to paint?

Tell me about it.

I hope that we can share our journeys and maybe help each other along the way.

Adventure awaits!

Mike
** That's an Amazon Affiliate link...if you click on it and purchase Dave's book, Amazon says they'll send me some money. It hasn't happened yet, but we'll see! Give it a shot!