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Faith Focus: Do you have a plan?

Last season, Gordon Hayward was one of the better players in the NBA. The Utah Jazz small forward averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 assists and 5 rebounds a game.

When the season ended, he went to his coaches with a simple message: That’s not good enough.

The staff pressed him on what he wanted to accomplish. He wanted the team to make the playoffs and wanted to play in the all-star game. In his mind, that meant he needed to average 22 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds a game.

The coaches broke down what it would take for him to reach that level of play. He’d need quicker hands. And he’d need to be better going to his left. For those things to happen, he’d need weekly boxing drills, specialized exercises to help him with his balance and a ton of work.

That summer, Hayward worked out at 7 a.m. every time the staff would meet him. He constantly sought to improve himself.

This year, he averaged 21.9 points, 3.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds a game. He made the all-star team. He and the Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Each of us wants to better ourselves. Every day, parents and families looking for better lives come to Buckner. They want help in the wake of trauma. They seek financial stability. They strive for healthy relationships.

Like Hayward’s coaches did for him, Buckner staff members work with those they serve to create a plan to accomplish their goals. Buckner coaches work each day with those they serve taking the small steps that make up long journeys toward significant tasks.

The vulnerable parents that Buckner serves wake up early and stay up late working on what they have before them. Many of the mothers in the Buckner Family Pathways programs sleep 4-5 hours a night so they can keep up with school and their families.

For vulnerable families, success comes a day an hour at a time, a day at a time. That's why it feels so good to celebrate their victories.

Benjamin Franklin famously said, "If you plan to fail, you're planning to fail." What's your plan this week?

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. –Proverbs 12:11

Deeper reflection:

  • What are your priorities this week?
  • What are your spriritual priorities?
  • What's your plan for the week?

Next steps:

  • This week, focus on what is truly important to you.
  • Fill out your dayplanner in advance to make sure you focus your efforts.

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