I’ve never been much for New Year’s resolutions. I can’t stand the pressure. It just feels like a 365-day sentence to keeping an unreasonable promise. But that’s just me.
I do however like to set Smart goals for myself. Goals that are well-defined and focused. Smart goals are identified by the acronym S.M.A.R.T
S – stands for specific
M – stands for measurable
A – stands for achievable
R – stands for relevant
And T – stands for time-based.
I try to do this in various areas of my life. Not just at work. I set goals for my relationships, my own well-being, my spiritual life and my job.
One of my smart goals for my role as CEO of WF Faith Mission is what I want to share with you today. It is to listen to at least one person’s story every week. This stems from my mantra for serving the homeless which is that Every person has a story and every story matters to God. I can’t think of a better way to really minister to someone than to take the time to listen to their story. Their journey, their experiences, their heartbreaks and their victories. What are their dreams and what keeps them from accomplishing those dreams? Do they have a personal relationship with Christ? How can I pray for them? And how can I help them set their own goals and achieve them.
This emphasis on stories has defined all our programs and services to the homeless and addicted for the last 10 years. In 2025, it will be no different. We will listen to their stories, and we will strive to help them write brand new chapters to their stories. And by doing this, every person who walks in the doors of Faith Refuge or Faith Mission and into our care will rise above the status of client to that of neighbor.
