Proverbs 21:21: “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” (NIV)

On December 8, 2022, I wrote a list of my 2023 goals. I had five areas I wanted to focus on in 2023: spiritual, financial, health, social, and parenting. Under each category, I wrote specific actions I needed to take in order to grow in each of these areas.

In reviewing my goals today, I realize they align with today’s Proverb. Each goal will help shape me into a better steward of this life given to me, so I can love and bless others more.

Pursuing spiritual growth enables deeper intimacy with my Creator, who downloads wisdom and knowledge to navigate life. Having a refreshed soul gives me the ability to refresh the souls of others.

Pursuing financial freedom affords the ability to take care of my responsibilities, needs, and wants. I can give to others in need and, one day, leave an inheritance to my children’s children (Proverbs 13:22).

Pursuing optimal health provides me with the strength I need to get throughout each day and to live a vibrant life. I pray a healthy lifestyle helps me achieve centenarian status and allows me to live independently, so I don’t burden someone else.

Pursuing social growth pushes me to connect with, love on, and bless others in-person, rather than dwelling comfortably in my introverted shell at home. I need a loving community. We need one another.

And pursuing positive parenting–growing as a parent–is my primary ministry and blessing. God sent this precious gift of love from above, even though I don’t deserve her and feel like a failure many times. Pursuing righteousness and love will help me to pour righteousness and love into my daughter. I pray she grows into a young lady who will seek the same.

What do you pursue today? What do you plan to pursue this week? The rest of this month? This year? If you haven’t already, pen down some specific pursuits that will help mold the life you desire to live.

EKG