Updating the Big Rocks

Fairly recently I shared some goals that I have set for myself for the next year. Since I am in the process of turning the calendar to a new month, I decided that it would be a good opportunity for me to post an update to those goals - a sort of online accountability check.

FYI - the idea of "Big Rocks" comes from my reading of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in high school and being captivated by the idea of setting aside some time each week to tend to personal growth. I've continued this practice throughout my ministry because I have learned the value of caring for self in the midst of a profession that spends a great deal of time caring for others. For me, my "Big Rocks" are Physical, Social/Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual. Here is what I've been doing in each of those areas of my personal life.

PHYSICAL

I have recently decided that the nearly year-long transition to my current place has made a regular exercise very, very difficult. To that end, I have also decided to make this a priority for the month of May. I have registered (the check is literally in the mail!) for my first 5K road race in over 3 years for the end of May. Paying for the race should provide enough extra motivation for me to hit the road. It is actually 16 weeks away from a 1/2 marathon in Rochester...and I have a 15 week plan for novices to train for a 1/2 marathon. I am trying to decide if that would be too much. I'm leaning towards taking on the 1/2 marathon, if only to have a big, crazy goal to work towards.

I am still hopeful that I can hit my goal weight (less than I currently am!) by my brother-in-law's wedding at the end of June.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

I haven't done much tangible or measurable on these goals. As the weather turns warmer, I do hope to learn how to fish. And I'm pleased to announce that the Curtiss family has set an exciting family goal. We are going to (attempt!) to visit all 74 (that's right ALL 74) of Minnesota's State Parks before our oldest child graduates from high school (he is 7 and will complete first grade at the end of May). 74 parks over the next 12 summers. Crazy - but I'm a big fan of crazy goals.

I'm also in the process of getting a team of Community Presbyterian folks signed up for this summer's city sponsored Kick Ball League. Should be a good, good time.

MENTAL

My goal here was to read 20 books in 2012. I've read 6 so far, so I need to pick up my pace a bit. I'm reading mostly Young Adult/Fantasy books at this point, but I love them, so I'm not apologizing. The six books that I have read in 2012 are: Birth Order and You by Dr. Ronald Richardson (Family Systems material), Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (Leadership book), "Throne of Fire" and "The Son of Neptune" both by Rick Riodan. "Physik" by Angie Sage (I think these books are on par with Harry Potter, but I haven't found anyone else who has read them). and "Phantom" by Terry Goodkind. (I have literally checked this book out from the library at various points over the last 3-4 years. It is good to finally read this. It is the 9th book in a fairly lengthy series...and I'm nearly done with book 10.)

SPIRITUAL

I do pray often in the chapel as I begin my days. Sometimes I feel like I am too busy, and I often regret skipping it. The thing is I don't notice getting less done on days when I do take the time to pray. That alone should be a good reminder that time in prayer is one of the most important things I could be doing.

I also set a goal of memorizing 12 Psalms. I have memorized one. I might need to adjust my expectations on this one. I think I'll close with the words of Psalm 121 (and I'm not even looking it up!)

I life my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord will not let your foot be moved. The Lord will not slumber. The Lord who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, not the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from evil. He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

Thanks for reading.
Be blessed-
Pastor John