I know some people are “anti” New Year’s resolutions. However, I think this is an exciting time of year to set goals and establish new perspectives. As a matter of fact this blog is a result of one of my New Year’s resolutions from two years ago.
My New Year’s resolution this year is more of a broad perspective I want to establish throughout this year which I believe will lead to making wiser decisions throughout the next 12 months. It’s inspired by the following passage in Psalm 39.
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Show me, God, my life’s end. Show me the number of my days. Show me how fleeting my life is.
I want to live in 2010 with the awareness of LIFE GOES BY FAST and MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED.
Like everyone else I can get caught up in trying to rush through life acquiring things, trying to attain security, and achieving meaningless goals our culture has deemed worthy. But so many of the things I focus on and worry about are simply futile.
I waste time regretting things from the past I can’t change. I settle for mediocrity trying to avoid difficult decisions and conversations. I get consumed with trying to be loved instead of loving others. I squander precious moments trying to control things I can’t control.
I don’t want that to be my life. I don’t want that to be my vision… because that vision cannot sustain God’s design for something as splendid as a human life. That is a vision born out of thinking I have an endless amount of time on this earth to make the impact God has designed me to make and this, my friends, is nothing more than an illusion.
So in 2010 I’m making a resolution, a commitment, a promise to view my life (my marriage, my job, my friendships, my purpose) through the understanding that LIFE GOES BY FAST and MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED.
I pray it will help me love deeper, pray harder, focus more intently, and seek to make the greatest impact with my one and only life that I possibly can.
And the first decision I’m making with my newly adopted perspective is a big one for me.
My friend, Michael Hyatt, recently challenged me to run the Country Music Half Marathon with him. If you know me you know I HATE running. But what I love more than I hate running is bringing attention to great causes like the New Hope Academy here in Franklin. So with that in mind, and knowing my days are numbered, I thought what the heck. Why not? (I was also told that since I’ll be running so much I can eat all the french fries I want).
So I’m officially stepping out and committing to run the Country Music Half Marathon here in Nashville on April 24th!
If you’re considering running in the Country Music Marathon this year I would challenge you to run it with the Powered By Hope group. It adds an incredible cause to your goal of completing the marathon.
So what’s your New Year’s resolution for 2010?
Love the post. Love that you are running the Half. We are going to have a blast. I sure hope we can get Brandi in on all the fun.
Our days are certainly numbered, thanks for the reminder.
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..On Love =-.
The long runs with the training group on Saturday were a huge motivational factor for me. I need a social aspect to this running thing.
My New Years Resolution: Not Ruining my Sister.
http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com/ruining-my-sister/
Pete you can do this half marathon. The fact that you have a reason to run will push you to train and work. Glad to hear that you are moving forward with God and not moving and asking God to follow.
.-= Kyle Reed´s last blog ..Dinner Conversations =-.
Loved your post Kyle!!
Awesome Pete! I’m running (or make that attempting to run it) with that group too. I think it’s gonna be great.
Love your perspective for your New Year’s resolution. It’s going to be a great year!
And the half… you can do it and you’ll love it!
.-= Jenni Catron´s last blog ..Got $25? =-.
Wow, a 1/2 marathon for a guy who hates running is admirable. Good luck in your training! Just started running myself and am only comfortable at the 5K level at the moment, but maybe someday! I’ve grown to *like* running (not love yet!) because it’s been a great parallel to a lot of things I’ve been going through spiritually.
Thanks for sharing your goals, it’s encouraged me to extend some of my own in light of my “days being numbered”. Excellent reminder.
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Play All Out Or Not At All! =-.
Dude, I’ve never even run a 5k before!
You are doing the 1/2 – way to go!!
I can’t wait for this year to end – it’s been one of the worst in circumstance for me. BUT, I want to remember the lessons learned – because there have been more than any other year in my life.
My 1st goal for 2010 is to rebuild my business in the way it was initially intended in back in 2005… providing opportunity to serve my clients with what I do best – and hand off projects that I know will take more time than I’m willing to invest in.
But even more so than this, learning HOW to best spend time with my son…I’ve always been “work driven” and knowing how to spend my time with him does not come naturally. I want to find activities that will help build memories and shape him into who God has made him.
Awesome goal Paula! Praying for you.
AH! Okay, I hate making New Years resolutions for the simple fact that I generally fail at them every year. But I started making resolutions before the new year and one of them is to run some 5k’s this year. I don’t want to fail! Your post is good motivation for me!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Meet Caleb… =-.
This blog speaks volumes to me, I pray this year, the Word I hear from every day blogs like this or the sunday sermon, will go not just to my head or hearing, but deep into my heart, that it will be devoured and digested and then come out as the fruit that God intends. Oh, this is my prayer for the new year.
I haven’t made one yet, but there is still time. Bravo on running the half marathon!
.-= Nick´s last blog ..Hero =-.
A great reason – understanding your limited time – for investing in others. Your family, the leaders around you, the next generation. I love it when you share what God is doing in your life Pete!
.-= Jan Owen´s last blog ..What Pastors Can Learn From Urban Meyer =-.
Walking as independantly as possible by my birthday. And no, running is not next on the list. Pete, I’m with you, I HATE running. Although it is inspiring to see someone leaping out of their box.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..What Day Is This? =-.
This next few days are about clarifying my goals for the coming year. I love the feeling of a fresh start. I thank God for new beginnings. Thanks for the post, Pete. God bless you – and may your ministry and your family life be richer this year than ever before.
.-= Joshua Skogerboe´s last blog ..sara renner and the elements live at living hope :: fearless joy =-.
Tape that mantra of LIFE GOES BY FAST AND MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED to your mirror, on your computer, near your blackberry and running shoes; let it be in front of you daily!
God has place it on my heart to get into a spiritual rhythm for 2010. One where I walk in step with Him – not stepping ahead or lagging behind – and do what He says. A spiritual cadence that is in syn with what His purpose is for me, how He wants me to live, choosing Him over everything else. Breath by breath, minute by minute, day by day, 2010 will be with a heightened awareness that He is right here with me and my steps will be His steps. Looking in the rear view mirror, 2009 will be gone like a blur; 2010 will be like living slow motion while moving forward with Him in control. That is my New Year’s resolution.
Great idea Vicki.
Pete,
You stole my line/verse from the interview when Karen was in the Hospital. Just kidding! Seriously, I can’t put into words how much different Karen and I live since her breast cancer (Plan B).
Not that I am a big Tim McGraw fan, much less what they call country these days, but “Live Like You Were Dying” has some awesome lyrics for real living.
I just looked it up. Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman wrote the song.
.-= Jody´s last blog ..Too tired =-.
I think more than ever I’m realizing my days are numbered. I think of Matt Chandler who is the same age as I am and is fighting brain cancer. I want to live for Jesus and love the people He loves.
Last year, err, this year I had a crazy notion to run the 2010 PF Changs Rock & Roll half marathon. Six months later I started having foot pain that would end in foot surgery. My hat tips to you for doing it.
Congratulations on committing to your first half!
You won’t regret it… Well, maybe your calves will, but you won’t!
Can’t wait to train with you! See you for Saturday group runs!
Enjoy your day and Happy New Year!
You’re gonna love it Pete! I had never run before I started training for my race. It safe to say you are in better shape than I was when I started training.
Donald Miller’s new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years was a big inspiration for me.
Happy Training.
Your blog post on you running the marathon was a huge motivation for me Jeff!
This posts reminds me of Matt Chandler and what’s he’s facing right now. He’s starting his treatment today; let’s all pray fervently for him.
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing. I like your resolution too and it is just a great perspective to have going into the New Year.
You will ROCK out that half-marathon especially since it is for a good cause. Good luck to you! Along a similar line, I was NEVER an athlete growing up and did my first pool triathlon this past year. In 2010 I am going to try for a longer distance pool event and then try for an open water event in September. The idea of open-water freaks me out completely but that is reason enough to try it. Here’s to a fantastic 2010
“I waste time regretting things from the past I can’t change. I settle for mediocrity trying to avoid difficult decisions and conversations”
Thanks for that. It puts into words what I have been feeling for the past few months. Challenging myself to make the hard decisions and not let life pass me by.
proud of you baby! i love watching you chase a goal, you keep me on my toes and inspire me.
.-= brandiandboys´s last blog ..Merry Christmas Wilson Style… =-.
@brandiandboys To run? Does he inspire you to run?
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..On Love =-.
Pete, that is awesome!!! I am running my first 5K in March. And I am SO NOT a runner. But I set a goal and I’m running to and thru it!!!
Man! All of these New Year’s Resolution posts! I better get on the ball…
.-= Vanity of Vanities´s last blog ..To Look, Unshaken, upon the Tempests =-.
Congratulations on the running. I’m trying to run my first marathon in April. It’s an encouragement to get in with others who have similar goals… otherwise, I’m toast.
The post, though, also reminded me of Josh Harris’s post about the passing of time and numbering our days. It’s a great message to consider at this time of year:
-”Teach us to number our days”
Check it out.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
.-= bondChristian´s last blog ..My mistake yesterday, what I learned from it, my apology to Stephen, and why it all matters to you =-.
I was just thinking today that I need to be more bold! To not let opportunities pass me by bc they could be uncomfortable or difficult in the beginning. The reward could be so sweet!
Congrats on signing up for the 1/2 marathon! I ran my first one here in Nashville last year! Be sure to get really really good shoes and running gear!
Great post, Pete. Best wishes on the marathon. I trust you will keep us posted as you train?
Every year, my New Year’s resolution is to live more deliberately. (I’m a big Thoreau fan.) This takes a different shape each year, and this time around, I’m focusing on reevaluating the things I think I need. I want to ask myself – Is this really essential? What is it’s purpose? Who told me it would make me happy? Will it really?
Should be an interesting year!
.-= Rachel H. Evans´s last blog ..On New Year’s Resolutions and Channeling Henry David Thoreau =-.
Courage.
I want to move into every moment not just with intentionality but with confidence that God is already moving, working, fighting and finishing.
.-= kc´s last blog ..2009 Lessons/Observations (pt.1) =-.
This is right on! 2010 is our opportunity to make an impact.
A friend once told me that we are all given 24 hours a day in 60 minute segments and 60 second pieces at a time. Further, it was Annie Dillard who said, “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” Finding a comfortable spot in the tension between today and eternity allows us space to become all that God designed us to be today…not tomorrow.
And congrats on your decision to do the Country Music Marathon. You’ll have a blast. There is nothing like running with that many people. You may not believe me now, but the time and distance will go by fast. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about yourself along the way.
Pete, My resolution is to try to be around until 2011 so I can make another resolution.
Also I don’t run but I walk about 21 miles a week. I love you, Brandi and those boys. Grandpa Wilson
I knew you’d end up running in the half marathon.
I’m sure you’ll do a great job and I’m looking forward to you bringing the first place trophy onto the platform at church.
I posted on my site about my resolutions for 2010 but it boils down to me just stepping out and moving forward with what I feel led to do.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..2010: A New Year’s Revolution =-.
i dont do resolutions but i do set goals for the year. I set them kina small sometimes but it keeps me motivated for more. this year has been great but one thing i did was pray from begining to end to meet my husband… that didnt happen so i realized i probably have been praying for the wong thing. So this year i will pray that God will fill that incredible void i feel in my life with him. one thing i forget all the time is i am here for him and not for me! Im also “doing” the Half. (cant promise i will run
love this post!
.-= jessica´s last blog ..Merry Christmas =-.
* Schedule at least an hour a day to spend with God and protect that time as if my life depended on it…because, really, it does.
* Pray more.
* Serve someone every day.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Haiti + Snow =-.
“I waste time regretting things from the past I can’t change. I settle for mediocrity trying to avoid difficult decisions and conversations. I get consumed with trying to be loved instead of loving others. I squander precious moments trying to control things I can’t control.”
Well you’ve just written about my life lately. Now that I’ve been found out I guess I have to change.
Great article Pete and I too will go into 2010 meditating on the truth that I want to make my life count.
.-= Bill Foote´s last blog ..Somethings Missing! What happened to Moral Outrage? =-.
I’ll be honest…I don’t have any New Years Resolutions. But if I had one it’d be this: Find ways to serve more people.
Great post as always Pete!
.-= Michael Holmes´s last blog ..Why Character Is Such a Necessity in Leadership =-.
I think you just made one.
Your post touched my heart. I really hadn’t made a new years resolution yet. Hopefully, I too will live 2010 as my days are numbered, especially in relationships and I will be mindful of keeping my thoughts more positive, God focused if you will.
2010 is the year i turn 40. that is way past middle aged. that thought alone about brought me to a near panic attack. i have much to do still in this life. much i believe should have already been tended to. but, i can not think of what should have been…only on what can, will, be.
thanks for this kick in the pants!
and eat some fries for me.
Your just turning 40???? I would have guessed you at about 46 or 47.
I just got through reading An Arrow Pointing To Heaven about Rich Mullins and the final chapter was all about how he had such a revelation on how our time on this earth was short and to really live life to the fullest. Then I check out your blog…okay, God…I’m listening!
Wow! I’ve never read that book but probably should.
My resolution is to get rid of all the junk in my life that I don’t need. Physical AND mental junk as well.
.-= BeckeyZ´s last blog ..fun with photoshop =-.
To lose weight before my daughter’s wedding in June. The problem I have is I’m a big procrastinator.
.-= Pokinatcha´s last blog ..Where’s the Line to See Jesus? =-.
I like what you said, “LIFE GOES BY FAST and MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED.”
My goal this year is to get back to Germany so my wife and I can start serving on the mission field.
.-= David Knapp´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (8) =-.
i do set goals for the year !!
.-= gisan pls55ne´s last blog ..Neo – Meuble série NEO pour écran PLASMA – LCD – NEO390BBLK =-.
One of my resolutions is to assist of my friends to find jobs. I can be a resource and also a means of introducing them to potential employers outside the normal job search methods. There are also a number of ways I can assist them. We need need to get people back to work. I know I can do more for them.
JP
.-= Jon-paul´s last blog ..Making True Connections, The Challenge of the New Decade =-.
Thanks for this one, Pete. This was something my parents taught me a long time ago and while I haven’t been as consistent as I once was, I read the appropriate Proverbs each day EVERY month. GREAT, gentle reminders of how we should view and live life.
It will be a breeze, especially when you have a very good reason for the motivation. Loved reading this blog, it made me smile.
I am one of those people who doesnt believe that New Year is the time for making resolutions, I make them as I feel the need all through the year. There are goals that hasnt changed over the years – To be Better than I was last year – To always learn something new each year – To be Open to Blessings – To be mindful of what I do each day.
.-= Mysoul´s last blog ..Love Letter =-.
Glad to hear you are running in this race. I have run it several times and plan to run the half this year. I will check out the cause you have mentioned. I wrote a blog about my marathon running experiences at http://randykinnick.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/lessons-from-a-marathon/
Maybe I’ll see you in April!
.-= Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..Taking Stock =-.
Thanks for this blog though I don’t really make new year’s resolutions.
.-= Ing’utu Njebele Buck´s last blog .. =-.