9. Prepare Practically for the Future. This week I'm meeting with Gary, a financial planner, to help me assess my family's portfolio. Because I'm not good with understanding investments, I need help. My daughter is two years away from college; and with an infant coming, we need guidance. We need to look at our 403 and 401, and possibly switch to better markets. We have redone our wills and remortgaged our home with a better finance plan. These are issues every youth worker needs to consider.

10. Be a Team Player. I've been praying about starting an organization, but I have come to grips with one fact: I can't do it alone. Watching the NBA, I'm amazed at how Shaq needs Kobe...and Glenn Rice...and A.C. Green. Like basketball, youth ministry is a team game. I need to surround myself with good people who have diverse gifts. Think "we." People who allow others into their worlds—weaknesses and all—will win. Besides, Bob Buford says the game of life is won or lost in the second half of life—not the first.

Survivors: Finish Well

Rhonda, Rachel and I went to Europe four years ago. In addition to eating lots of pasta and gelato, we saw the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. We visited the site one afternoon where some believe the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. It was perhaps in this cold, dark, damp cell that Paul etched his final, powerful words: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

"Survivor" was the hot TV show this summer. A number of men and women were "stranded" on a deserted island, and each week someone was voted off by the group. The last person left got a million dollars.

Even though Paul didn't get that kind of money, he was a true survivor. I want to be a true survivor, too. And I want you to be one. May you finish well—gray hairs and all. Your heavenly Father has been with you from the beginning and will be with you to the finish line.

Run the race, and run to win!