One of the things successful people do is to set long term goals. Even nations set five- or ten-year goals and then make plans to make them happen. Everyone from huge corporations to governments to individuals set long term goals and then make plans to follow them. Being able to set long term goals seems to be a necessity for being successful. Buying a house, getting a career, having a family etc. all require that we do some long-term planning.
All too often people sacrifice their long-term goals for immediate rewards. Do I save that money to buy a house or do I take a cruise? Do I have the bank take some money out of my pay to put in savings for large future purchases or do I spend it all now? Do I spend money on getting new clothes and latest styles and getting my nails done or put that money aside for college? Do I save for a reliable truck or buy a new rifle or fishing trip?
Even when I was a senior in high school a few years back, the government teacher asked us the question of what our long-term goals were. After most students had named a career or lifestyle they wanted, this one student simply said, “My goal is to get to heaven.” You would think that would lead to at least a short discussion, but that answer was ignored and class went on.
Now that I am an old guy and my time is getting shorter, the question of my eternal goal seems more important. No one in my family lived past seventy-five and I am now beyond that. It seems more likely that I could “go” any time. Am I ready? I like to think I am. I have given my life to Jesus, try to live by his principles, and working at conforming my thoughts and behaviors to his will and not my own. I pray and study. When I die, I want to be unified with Christ for an eternity with my loved ones in heaven. What would heaven be without those I love?
St. Catherine of Siena wrote as stated in the April edition of the Magnificat p. 359, “This very day leave behind the world’s anxieties; leave worry to those who should be worrying, and take that time for holy exercises in true solid virtue. Don’t wait for more time, since we have no assurance we shall have it. Love! Love! For you are loved indescribably much!”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let His face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you His peace.”
