Flighty Goals

But as for me, it is good to be near God. Ps 73:28

Mid-stride-vigor sparked my old dog. She was chasing birds like a puppy with a purpose. Instincts cheered her on: You can do it, run harder, that one is yours. The plovers merely peeped, scissored their little legs away, and—when the gap became too narrow—flew back to where the chase began. What a hoot. The golden retriever merrily spun around and redirected to other prey. Back and forth she galloped, from one bird to the next, tail riding high, a dog in her element. She was out birding with her master.

The Holy Spirit opened a wonderful truth in this scene. Those birds are like goals and ambitions. I run for all I’m worth toward a target and as the gap closes it flies to a new location. I re-group and head for another mark only to see it flutter away too. Goals rarely bring satisfaction. Objectives expand, change, or evaporate. I never catch the birds of there-don’t-you-feel-wonderful-because-you-made-it. But my instincts won’t let me sit and look on uncompleted possibilities, so I’m driven to keep up the chase.

Jesus says, “It is okay to want the finished product; I made you that way for paradise. But don’t get worked-up that, in this life, you reach and never seize. The point is not arriving; it is finding My joy through the chase. Learn from your dog. She is happy running if she never gets near a bird. Take pleasure in galloping with Me through every activity. Let go of your pride that murmurs you were made to be a solution to the world. You were not. I am the solution. Your place is as the object of My love and joy. Go romp, laugh, and grab after goals. You don’t have to win. Have fun. I’m with you. Let My presence complete you.”

Prayer: Sovereign God, my ambition is to rest in You.