2015 Goals

A new year, a new set of goals!  Last year I set a goal of getting into shape while working on my dissertation - I was not going to be "that overweight guy" defending my dissertation.  With a lot of exercise, discipline, and diet changes, I lost 35lbs and transformed from a tired, overweight, unhappy guy to a healthier and happier me.  In addition to the morning work-outs with Renew Fitness, I took on a challenge to run 5K - and participated in my first fun-run with Road2Hope in November...running the 5K in 29.16 min. 

The physical transformation is great and I've been buying new clothes to fit the new waist!  A completely unexpected part of the change has been psychological - I simply feel more resilient to the changes that swirl around me. I sleep better, snore less (!), and think that I am a better person to be around (there is always room for improvement...).

The dissertation has moved along steadily and there is light at the end of the tunnel - research finished up this summer and the analysis and writing of chapter 4 has stretched throughout the fall.  I'm wrapping up chapter 4 this week and will be moving on to chapter 5 and 6...the end is in sight!  60 more pages and lots of editing, rewriting, and polishing to go.  My goal is to submit a final copy by March 1 and defend in March for the July graduation (D.V.).  The timeline is particularly important as in May our first grandbaby is expected to arrive and I want to clear my schedule so I can be *that* grandpa with lots of photos. 

Goals for 2015: 1.  Integrate healthy spiritual practices into my daily routine (daily prayer and scripture reading).  2.  Finish the dissertation (March defense, July graduation).  3. Plan for financial health (debt free for 2020). 4. Continue the pursuit of healthy fitness (175lb and 5K in 25min).  5.  Post-dissertation, focus on strengthening my readiness for future career transition.

Why so many goals - well, thinking about turning 50 in 2015 has made me reflect more on what is ahead with only (!) 15 more years of employment.  What opportunities will there be for me - and how can I faithfully serve in God's Kingdom with the equipping that I have been granted?  I commit this year, these goals, and my life to God's service.  I pray for wisdom to discern his will, openness to receive his peace, and that his steadfast love surround me with mercy and grace.