The new year is my jam.

I love setting goals. I love strategizing about how to achieve them. I love reflecting on how things are going and how I might do things better. Brand new calendars with empty spaces... YES.

A few Sundays ago as I sat in church, I was reminded that we so easily let things that aren't meant to be our God, become our God. I don't know about you, but good things, worthwhile and beautiful things often become more important than God in my life. I get so caught up in "getting better" and "growing" and "doing" that I put my head down, go to work, and I don't look up. I have tunnel vision toward "my goals." Then, when the work is completed and I finally lift my head, I have finished, but I am completely exhausted and depleted. When I look back at what I've accomplished I realize I've also left God in the dust.

This is a pattern for me. Is it for you?

During church that Sunday, the sermon went on, but I was left sitting there thinking about this and wondering "God, what would you have me do? How can I give you my goals, dreams, and desires, and not get so caught up? What is it that YOU have for me?" And like a ton of bricks it hit me:

God growth > good growth.

It's this simple.

Setting goals and going after them hard leads to "good growth." You accomplish great things but are often left wanting more or feeling exhausted. In comparison, asking for God's discernment in the goal setting process and then checking back in with him on the daily leads to "God growth." You accomplish great things in His time, in His way, and your soul is energized by His being with you in the process. Today, as I continue to reflect on 2018 and look toward tomorrow's fresh start, my heart, my goals, and my work are aimed at God growth. Will you join me?

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Vera Schmitz

Dwell Founder