As I reflect on my life's journey, I realize that the pursuit of knowledge has been the cornerstone of my identity. Though often lonely and challenging, it was through this pursuit that I discovered myself and found meaning in life. Now, as I feel the weight of years upon me and look back on my past, I find myself with a burning desire to impart a crucial realization to the younger generation.
The importance of setting goals cannot be overstated. This isn't mere advice, but a hard-earned insight born from bitter experience. In my youth, I had to navigate my path alone, without the guidance of a mentor. The trial and error, the wasted time - these still fill me with regret. The remorse I felt when I finally began studies at 40 that I should have started at 25 or 30 was indescribable.
Every time I open my Hebrew dictionary, this fact hits home. The lines drawn throughout the book are traces of my passion and effort, but much of it has now faded from memory. Had I acquired this knowledge in my youth, it would have grown and breathed with me until now.
To those aspiring to walk the path of a scholar, I particularly want to emphasize: Don't postpone your dreams. Set your goals and act on them now. Time flows much faster than we anticipate. If you live without purpose, you'll find the golden years of your life slipping away before you know it.
I often ask my junior pastors, "What will remain after you retire in 30 or 40 years?" Sermons linger briefly in people's ears before vanishing, but the written word endures forever. That's why I urge them to write books and publish sermon collections. These will be the only lasting evidence of their lifelong efforts.
Setting goals isn't merely about preparing for the future. It's a driving force that makes the present more meaningful. A concrete goal like "I'll write ten sermons this year" becomes a guide for action, potentially culminating in a published book.
Success in life isn't a product of chance. It's the result of clear goal-setting and persistent effort. This is a truth I've deeply internalized through my own life. From this moment, seriously consider and set your own goals. Then, move towards them one step at a time. That is the path to success.
The journey towards your goals may be accompanied by hardships and frustrations. But don't give up. The process itself is an opportunity for growth, ultimately bringing you one step closer to becoming the person you dream of being. The future depends on your choices and actions in the present. Choose wisely and act passionately. This is the truth of life that I've come to understand over my lifetime.
The importance of setting goals cannot be overstated. This isn't mere advice, but a hard-earned insight born from bitter experience. In my youth, I had to navigate my path alone, without the guidance of a mentor. The trial and error, the wasted time - these still fill me with regret. The remorse I felt when I finally began studies at 40 that I should have started at 25 or 30 was indescribable.
Every time I open my Hebrew dictionary, this fact hits home. The lines drawn throughout the book are traces of my passion and effort, but much of it has now faded from memory. Had I acquired this knowledge in my youth, it would have grown and breathed with me until now.
To those aspiring to walk the path of a scholar, I particularly want to emphasize: Don't postpone your dreams. Set your goals and act on them now. Time flows much faster than we anticipate. If you live without purpose, you'll find the golden years of your life slipping away before you know it.
I often ask my junior pastors, "What will remain after you retire in 30 or 40 years?" Sermons linger briefly in people's ears before vanishing, but the written word endures forever. That's why I urge them to write books and publish sermon collections. These will be the only lasting evidence of their lifelong efforts.
Setting goals isn't merely about preparing for the future. It's a driving force that makes the present more meaningful. A concrete goal like "I'll write ten sermons this year" becomes a guide for action, potentially culminating in a published book.
Success in life isn't a product of chance. It's the result of clear goal-setting and persistent effort. This is a truth I've deeply internalized through my own life. From this moment, seriously consider and set your own goals. Then, move towards them one step at a time. That is the path to success.
The journey towards your goals may be accompanied by hardships and frustrations. But don't give up. The process itself is an opportunity for growth, ultimately bringing you one step closer to becoming the person you dream of being. The future depends on your choices and actions in the present. Choose wisely and act passionately. This is the truth of life that I've come to understand over my lifetime.
