Thinking a lot lately about change – what’s changed and what needs to change.  How do I change?  And not change for the sake of change, but change for the sake of becoming more like the me of my dreams – dreams that are complex and multi-faceted.

As a Jesus follower, the fundamental direction of my change is toward greater likeness to Him.  The way he lived and the way he loves and the joy and peace that results.  Selfishly, it’s all about that joy and peace for me.  I think probably all of us are desirous of it.  But more importantly, Jesus is magnified when his joy and peace define who I am and how I live.

Practically, I want life that is full of meaning and purpose.  I want to make a difference in others and in the world and the various contexts in which I go about my daily living.  I want to be happy - happy because my present circumstances and earthly relationships are favorable.  I want to feel motivated.  I want to explode out of bed in the morning with eagerness for the opportunities of a brand-new day and the energy to take full advantage of every single one of them.

I want to pillow my head at night with exhausted satisfaction in what was produced today, how I grew and how I helped others to grow.

Seems pretty idealistic, I'll admit.  But it’s worth longing for and striving for.  It fills my field of vision – it’s in the crosshairs for me…