chalkboard dream.

word of the day: chalkboard dream \ˈchȯk-ˌbȯrd\ \ˈdrēm\

Ok, ok. So today's word isn't technically in the dictionary. The original word of the day was 'resolution', but I think by the end you'll agree that 'chalkboard dream' is way better. Trust me.

I was in Caribou Coffee today.

We have this really great Caribou sandwiched between Des Moines University and Drake University. It's big and always full of people studying. It sort of takes me back to my own college days in an 'Over the Rhine soundtrack' kind of way.

Anyways, as I was waiting by the door for my friend to catch up, I suddenly found myself face to face with a giant chalkboard wall.

I love a good chalkboard wall, so I was immediately intrigued. As I looked more closely, I started reading things like:

'Write a book'
'Climb the Grand Tetons'
'Start a family'
'Finish my first year of teaching well'
'Move somewhere warm'
'Travel one month out of the year for the rest of my life'
'Live Healthier'
'Marry Andy'

What I hadn't noticed right off the bat were the words 'Dream Board' smack in the middle of the wall. I was staring at a wall of New Year's resolutions and immediately started feeling pressure to add my own to the mix.

Now, you should know that I'm not generally one for resolutions. In fact, I'm not sure I have ever even made one in my whole life. But with that empty space of chalkboard staring me in the face, I couldn't resist.

I stood there for a second. How could I sum up all that I wanted for 2011? What one dream would encompass what I want my life to look like in the upcoming year?

The answer came to me very simply.

'Love more faithfully'

The only real goal I have for myself in the upcoming year is to love better. To love God better. To love His Word better. To love Jake better. To love my family better. To love people better. To love the nations better.

To love unselfishly, joyfully, generously, and largely.

In that moment with the chalk in my hand, it all made perfect, simple sense. Life isn't about me. It's not about how many pounds I can lose or how many days I spend in the gym. It's not about my life being organized or my desire to eat healthier. It's not even about how I finish the year at school or whether or not I climb the highest hill in Iowa.

It's about me being loved. It's about me loving others.

That's it. That's my 2011 chalkboard dream.

*I did NOT draw the sun next to mine. The person who wants to live in Florida did.