What Are Your True Goals?

by Jan Drexler

I’ve had a lot of time to think lately.

My husband, our youngest son, and I returned home yesterday after a ten-day trip East to visit family. I also spent some time researching my next story, chatting with readers, and visiting my publisher.

During our forty-four-plus hours in the car, I did a lot of thinking about writing: future stories, my work-in-progress, blog posts, my career goals.

I also spent time reflecting on the last eight whirlwind years. What has happened during those years?
I’ve achieved my goal of writing and finishing a full-length novel. I’ve achieved my goal of being a published author. I’ve achieved my goal of writing for my dream publisher. I’ve achieved my goal of seeing my book on the shelves of my local library. I've achieved my goal of writing ten books. 


What comes next?


Let me tell you what I was thinking about during that forty-four-plus-hour car ride…

If these had been the only goals for my life, I would be done.

If I had made the mistake of focusing on these goals to the exclusion of everything else, I would be finished.

And I can’t help thinking that if I had never looked beyond these goals, I would be looking forward to a lot of empty years ahead.
But these are NOT my only goals.

I am VERY thankful to have been given the opportunity to write and to share my stories with others, but this isn’t my life.

I am not defined by my writing.


What does define me?


1) I am a child of God.

2) I have a purpose in my life: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

3) I have the opportunity to use the talents He has given me to serve Him and achieve that purpose. 

So my goal – the theme of my life – is to glorify God.

Everything else is a means to that end.

* * * * * * * * * * * * 
Count to ten.

* * * * * * * * * * * * 
Let that sink in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * 
Everything in my life is an opportunity to glorify God.

Even if I had never achieved any of the goals I listed above, my purpose would not have changed. If I had never written a word, my purpose – my chief goal – would remain the same.

If I had never finished a book, landed my agent, or signed a publishing contract…my life would still have meaning and purpose.

My desires (plans, goals, wishes) often go unfulfilled. Many times when I have prayed for something, God has said "no," or "not yet." Those are the times when I must remind myself that I have not planned this life, but God has. And His plans are always perfect.

The challenge is to remain content no matter what path God leads me down...and that must be my true goal.



I hope I didn't wax too philosophical today! But I wonder if you've been thinking about the same kinds of things.

If you would like to, share with the rest of us:

What are your goals?

Are you defined by those goals?

What are your goals beyond the one you’re working toward right now?



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