So, for some months now I've been frequenting a Nike Runner's Lounge (I found it on my running route).
This is a place for runners to come and try on new nike shoes and gear and then go for runs compliments of nike.
It's meant to target a market group and build 'good will' and a brand allegience...

Although I know it's a marketing ploy - it's been a lot of fun.
One thing I was able to try was the nike+ system. This consists of a chip that fits into your shoe and another little thing that clips on to an ipod... then while you are listening to your tunes, every kilometer a person comes over the headphones and tells me how far I've run and how much further my goal is and what pace I'm running... it's quite amazing.

What I've discovered is this: I run much better with the system. I know it's a ploy, a commercial conspiracy... but the thing of it is this: we all run better with goals and accountability.

Measurable goals, and knowing you are reaching them is a good way to run the race.
It made me start thinking about the measurable goals in my own life and ministry: sometimes in my work people shy away from measurable goals because they think they are anti-relationship. But I disagree. Every relationship can have it's own goals of depth - meaning, accountability, covenant. Indeed, the marriages I admire are ones where the people have worked at being good spouses and bettering their relationship with one another.

Other people I admire make measurable goals with their relationship with Jesus.
I'd like to spend more time with Jesus in prayer. Good intention. Now how to make that a reality?
1. get up 1/2 hour earlier every day to pray.
2. book a war room shift once a week.
3. set up a prayer partner to pray with (and who will ask me if I'm praying - aka keeping my measurable goals).

Without being functionally rigid - I think we could do with more intentional goals.
Imagine the scandal of God using nike to stir me on.