A few Christmases ago we started a fun tradition in our family. It’s actually an Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod, or “Christmas Book Flood”. At Thanksgiving we draw names and then on Christmas Eve we give a book and a bar of chocolate to the person whose name we drew. Then we all curl up with our books, munch on chocolate and read together into the night. For a family of bookworms like us, it’s the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve.
This year I was given the book, Burden of Proof, by one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn.
In Burden of Proof, the main character, Ethan, is given the opportunity to go back in time and fix a terrible wrong, something many of us wish we could do.
Ethan soon discovers, however, starting over poses its own problems and he finds himself wondering how to plan for his future – the second time around. Ethan brings his problem to a surfing buddy, Hennie, who provides him with some sound advice. Hennie tells Ethan, in planning for the future, to always “…aim for the eternal.”
My sons, Andrew and Alex, knew what Hennie was talking about. When they were teaching me to shoot, they told me to look at my target, not at the gunsight. If I didn’t follow their advice and focused on the gunsight, I’d miss every time. They knew you only hit what you aim at.
The same is true in life. If we focus on our earthly problems or the things this world has to offer, we’ll always miss “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). If, however, we “aim for the eternal”, following Paul’s advice to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”, we’ll stay focused on what we’re aiming for – an eternity with Jesus. (Colossians 3:2 NIV).
So, this year, fix your eyes on Jesus and “…press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [you] heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV). In everything you do, always “aim for eternal” and you’ll hit the mark every time!
God bless and have a Happy New Year!