Make sure God is part of your goal-setting

The New Year has begun and many of you are perhaps working on any resolutions you made.

Perhaps some of your resolutions are for self-improvement. Maybe some have plans to do big things in 2012. Maybe you'll run a marathon, climb a mountain, go on a mission trip or provide real help to someone in need. God bless you in your goals for the coming year. I believe in planning as a way to accomplish worthwhile goals.

While I have learned that planning is important, life and faith have taught me some other lessons. For example, in November I bought a plane ticket to attend my uncle and aunt's 50th anniversary celebration scheduled for Jan. 14 in Massachusetts. But last Sunday, my aunt suffered a stroke, and this past Wednesday the Lord called my aunt home. So, one of the first lessons life has taught me is that just because I make a plan does not mean my plans will be accomplished. Planning is good. Humility, as a child of God, to accept what life brings is also wise and important.

Second, I have often learned that what seems small to us may be big to God. This Sunday we hear about the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He did not begin his ministry with a spectacular miracle like healing a blind man. Jesus did not begin his ministry with a spectacular miracle like calming a storm. He did not begin his ministry with a spectacular miracle like raising someone from the dead. Jesus began the most important mission this world has ever seen in an act of humility, with his baptism.

We have had a number of baptisms recently at St. John and have another baptism planned for this Sunday. Baptism can seem like a simple act - water and the word of God. But in this seemingly small act, God accomplishes forgiveness, faith and life. Amazingly, God often accomplishes his eternal purposes through simple means by which he reveals his creative and saving power.

So, while I believe in planning, I have learned to be ready for the unexpected. While I like to plan to accomplish great things for God,

I have learned it is even more important to live in prayer. I am praying for God to help me watch and listen to how he works his love and his purpose in our lives, even in the seemingly simple reception of his promises. While I like to plan, I am praying for God to help me live as his child in faith and love even in the unexpected or unwanted situations life brings. I'm not just praying to accomplish great things,

I am praying for God to help me be his child in the difficult situations in life.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

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