Today is a goof-off day. I get more of these than I used to, now that I am an old man at 77. I am memorizing Bible verses, writing notes to people, reviewing and thinking about my goals, reading some, listening to, and watching YouTube videos about fishing, building boats, and bicycling. I am going to take off and walk six miles for exercise in a few minutes. I am walking 13.1 miles next Saturday in our JBC half-marathon walk, and my goal is to finish in 3.5 hours. We will have t-shirts for 30 people, so walk with me, or more accurately, ahead of me. Most older people struggle with tiredness, stiffness, achy joints, and a lack of motivation. I do, for sure. Exercise is essential for us as people, and especially as we age. The only way I can motivate myself to exercise faithfully is to write specific goals and include as many other people as I can.

I am walking a half-marathon on Saturday with 30 different people. I am walking another half-marathon in February and one in April. In June, I am going to bicycle 1,500 miles. On July 11th, I am going to climb Mt Adams with a half-dozen other people. Each of those events will push me to train. It is not a guarantee that I will participate in each of those events, but my public goals increase the probability substantially. Most people wish they would exercise or do something challenging in their lives, but it never happens. What turns a “wish” into reality is writing down the wish on paper as a goal, reading it every day, and sharing it with a bunch of other people who will encourage you. It works, give it a try. Do the same with your Bible reading, prayer life, starting a ministry, praying with your spouse, or losing weight. If you write some goals for 2026, send them to me. I would love to read them.