Alignment

My friend Scott Harris used the term alignment on his blog recently when referring to the process of preparing for the new year. This term really resonated with me as I was also reviewing '06 and looking into '07.

Alignment is an interesting thing. Whether in our car, our back or our lives, misalignment causes trouble and in many cases pain. When out car is out of alignment it will pull to one side or the other. When our back is out of alignment is hurts and effects the entire body. Many times we do not realize the issue until it gradually gets worse and worse then the pull or the pain is unbearable. Our lives are exactly the same. We live with the exceptions for sometime until the pain of neglected relationship and priority starts to appear in the form of pain. This really is no way to live.

Check the alignment in your life: Do your actions line up with your values?

This is the time of year when we traditionally set goals and do our best to get in shape for the summer. What about our spiritual goals.

Set your goal to live in alignment this year.

I know that is rather large and vague. You may need to clarify your values on paper. It is easy to live by a supposed list of values and to never fully articulate or practice them. I experienced a turning point in my life when I was forced to list out my values and examine the alignment of my life. I had to make some changes. Once you see your values on paper you can get a good look at how your actions line up with what you believe.

You see the need, make the change.

Make adjustments.

Start this year in alignment.

Don't wait so long to check alignment next time around. Every three months, pause and check alignment. Pull out the values and hold it up next to your actions.

The power of alignment is effectiveness and freedom.

You will be a better parent, spouse, employee, employer, follower of Jesus and friend.