365 days...

On Sunday 15th December 2013 I completed a '365 miles' marathon. This marathon this year signifies a lot to me - the good, the bad and the ugly. As I was running the race I was thinking about the parallels between putting realities of life into movies and actual race of life. Below are a couple of lessons that I’ve learned from my 365 miles marathon experience:

• Have a plan and stick to that plan: In life, if we want to accomplish great things we have to have a plan. For me, I have a written life plan that articulates what I want to accomplish and how I’m going to accomplish it. The plan consists of 10 different areas that are important to me: spiritual development, marriage, fatherhood, ministry, relationships, career, personal growth, recreation, financial and health. Do you have a plan? If so, are you following that plan and doing what you need to do on a daily basis?

• Accountability keeps me consistent: I would not have completed this marathon without having a running partner. Thankfully I had the opportunity to prepare and run this marathon with a very good friend of mine, Fisayo. Accountability is necessary for each of us to be the best version of ourselves. We celebrate life’s victories together as well as walk alongside each other in life’s difficult seasons. Who are you accountable to?

I know this isn’t news to you but life can be painful. You’re going to face challenges and obstacles in the pursuit of your goals. The successful people are energized by the challenges and refuse to quit while everyone else shirks back from the pain and difficulties. What challenge or obstacle are you currently facing? Are you tempted to quit? What will keep you motivated to keep pressing on?

Glory be to God for yet another journey of life. Remember, the JUST shall live by faith.

Year Ahead...2014

By now you have exchanged gifts and are heading towards a new year filled with opportunity. This is a perfect time to look forward and set your targets (not resolution) for next year. So, if I may ask rhetorically, what are your targets, objectives and goals for 2014? ...so numerous!

Regardless of what your goals are for 2014...make up your mind to impact the world you live in the coming year. There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts:
1. What we do
2. How we look
3. What we say, and
4. How we say it.

Proclaim goodness, increase into your life in the coming year. Believe that it is well with you. May we all enjoy the good blessings of 2014 in Jesus name.

Happy New Year in advance.