I’m staring out the window at my son’s home. I’m looking at a large red, white, and blue bull’s eye situated on a stand. In the middle of the target are several axes. What I’m looking at is a game like “darts,” where you use axes instead of darts. Actually, we bought it for his kids. Now, before you write me off as some sadistic granddad, it’s made of plastic!
Like many of our observations, it got me thinking about the purpose of a target…of a bull’s eye. It’s to direct your activity in an intentional direction. The purpose of the “ax game” is to hit the target, not miss it, not throw over it, or not just get close to it. The purpose is to hit the center of it!
Wouldn’t it be helpful if all of our activities in life were directed towards a target, a goal, something worthy of reaching? I think we could all take a lesson from the “axe throwing game.” It might be incredibly important to think through all the categories of your life. For example, ask, “What’s the target or goal for our family?” Probably something like, “We want our children to be well-adjusted, competent, joyful Christ followers.” Then the question is, “What are we doing to point them toward that bull’s eye?” Regarding marriage, “What is a target for our relationship as husband and wife?” It could be, “We desire to grow deep in our love and transparency with each other and Christ.” You need to come up with your own list. But with a target in mind. Try applying this to your career, your health, your relationship with God, your friendships, and your family. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you might find yourself hitting the center of the target with your “ax” more often than not. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”