In life we are constantly working towards different goals whether we’re intentional about them or not. We work toward a new job or promotion, a relationship, a new way of thinking etc. Each month on the race we try to be intentional about setting team and personal goals. This is an area of my life that I’m trying to take seriously in order to change my habits. I tend to live life as it comes (adaptability is my #1 on Strengths Finder), which can be great in situations that are out of your control. Because I have that tendency, though, it’s hard for me to think through goals, make them, and follow through with them.
So how do you get out of that way of thinking? First off, recognize you’re not getting to the place in life that you want to be in. Second, see that setting small, attainable goals is going to help you get there. Like most things, I have to learn this for myself, rather than having someone telling me it’s important.
This month my goal is to memorize Psalm 118. The Lord has used this Psalm to remind me how huge his love and faithfulness is, so it’s something I want to commit to memory. Look it up, it’s a great reminder.
Since being on the race I’ve also learned the importance of debriefing. It is a time to process, reflect, be challenged, and learn from the situations we’ve been in. The Lord is constantly teaching us lessons in life, teaching is more about him, but sometimes we move too quickly onto the next thing. There’s a time and place to process and learn and then there is a time to move on – both are important. I’m learning how to listen to the Lord’s voice more and more, and asking him when I need to stop and reflect and when I need to keep moving. He’s the one I need to trust with those decisions even if they don’t make sense to me in the moment.
A couple of days ago we were in Skopje (the capital of Macedonia) for our squad debrief. We got to talk and process, and we also had time to hang out with friends from other teams. One of the mornings a group of us went to a canyon and went kayaking. It was gorgeous!
And then this is the view from the place we are living in at our ministry site this month.
This month we are working with an Evangelical church in a town called Negotino. We have been talking to people and inviting them to church and different events this month. A couple of evenings we have gone and played soccer and basketball with people from the community and it’s been a great way to get to know people and build relationships.
Keep the faith,
Malia
