In the Book of Alma in the Book of Mormon (Alma 12:24 here) we are told that this life is given to us so that we can prepare to live [forever] with God. We sometimes feel that we have a long time on earth to do that preparation, but thinking about our time here on earth compared with eternity we really don't spend much time here. That said, goals are pretty important. Goals for our personal life, goals to help others, or goals with others. I have really enjoyed seeing goals play out in the life of Elder Murri and his Zone of missionaries. They met together (this may not be the actual video of that meeting, but Jed sent this to his sister entitled, "This is a time lapse of a brief discussion during Zone Meeting..." here). They prayerfully set a goal to help 6 people make the covenant to follow Jesus Christ. Follow Him by doing as He did and becoming baptized, and further promising to keep His commandments and always remember Him. The enjoyment I have had, is watching this goal be set and then be reached. I turn to Jed's words on Feb 1st regarding January: "Some cool stuff happened this past month! We, as a Zone, set a goal to have 6 baptisms this month. God blessed us, and we reached our goal! It was really all Him. Everything fell into place at just the right time, so that we could accomplish what we had been working for. Again, though, it was all Him. We just made ourselves enough of a channel that He could do His work through us that well. It has been a good month overall though. I've grown, the Zone here has grown, and I'm happy with the progress that we've made. I'm not going to take my foot off of the pedal though, I'm going to keep going, and keep trying to progress and get better. I'm going to keep repenting. That's the key to progression, right there. One of the lady's names that was baptised is Jane, and Elder Cook and I gave her her first high-5 the other day. She's so sweet! It's been a good month!"
Another goal reached .... well not sure this was his goal. Jed's sister asked him if his companion eats with his mouth open. He responded, "My companion doesn't do that, thank goodness. I think that I'm over that though, it was kinda childish to make a big deal about it now that I look back at it. But that's why I'm so glad for the Atonement, because I can move on and try again. I have a new day to try again! Yay!". I am glad he has also been able to accomplish that goal, (not to be bugged by anyone who eats with their mouth open). His little brothers may have grown up when he returns and we will not be able to really see if this is the case ... we may have to wait for him to have kids :) .
Another goal reached .... well not sure this was his goal. Jed's sister asked him if his companion eats with his mouth open. He responded, "My companion doesn't do that, thank goodness. I think that I'm over that though, it was kinda childish to make a big deal about it now that I look back at it. But that's why I'm so glad for the Atonement, because I can move on and try again. I have a new day to try again! Yay!". I am glad he has also been able to accomplish that goal, (not to be bugged by anyone who eats with their mouth open). His little brothers may have grown up when he returns and we will not be able to really see if this is the case ... we may have to wait for him to have kids :) .