Living Intentionally

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  Philippians 2:13

I want to share one of my last Newspaper Columns with those who also read my blogs.  I felt it was something that all of us need to hear more than once.  I have added to it, too.  Life happens and sometimes it gets away from us and days, months, years have passed, and we have not done or lived like we desire.  We get in a rut or routine and just exist and let life take us.  We need to be intentional in how we live, choices we make, relationships, and intentional time with God.

“I was going to eat healthier this year, but…” “I was going to keep the house clean and organized, but….”  You had good intentions, but no follow through.  The concept was good and you were motivated when you made the decision, but it is difficult to change the rut you are in.  To be intentional is to be deliberate with purpose and to have a plan.  You make choices that follow your values, beliefs, and goals when you are intentional.  You put thought into what you are doing and are mindful of your triggers and stumbling blocks. 

When you are living intentionally, you have focus and take action.  You create meaning and purpose to your life.  You are proactive instead of just letting things happen by accident.  When you lack focus, things that are not a priority or of importance tend to grab your attention and occupy your time.  You get lost and let life just happen around you.  Things pile up and overwhelm you because you did not intentionally decide your priorities and set a schedule and routine to complete these priorities.  You did not take ownership of your life but let society and circumstances create your life.

Let’s be intentional.  First, with your time.  You check your phone or watch mindless TV or scroll social media and get lost for hours without realizing it.  You lost those hours on something that brought no fulfillment or purpose, and guilt takes over.  It is beginning to set limits on things that are not essential and choosing where you spend your time.  What is important to you?  Choose to invest your time and energy in what matters most to you – what you value.  Turn your eyes and thoughts onto Jesus.

Be intentional in relationships.  When you say a person is important to you, make time for that person.  Be proactive and set a time to be together.  When you say, “I’m busy and don’t have time to get together” you have made stuff and tasks more important than relationships.  Look at those you value and who are your support.  Are you making them a priority and spending time with them, not just talking about it?

Life will pull you in all directions and influence you.  You need to make choices for yourself based on what you want in life, where your priorities are, who is important to you, and where you place your loyalties and values.  Be intentional in what you put in your head.  Set boundaries in movies, social media, what you read and listen to. 

If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you need to be intentional in your choices.  It is choosing healthier food to bring into your home, healthier choices on the menu at a restaurant.  It is choosing daily movement and including it in your daily routine.  It is not deciding if you will, but just accepting movement and exercise as part of who you are daily.

Be intentional in your faith.  Intentionally begin each day focused on God.  When you wake up say, “Good morning, God.”  Whatever you put first in your day, it will control your day.  Why not put God first.  “This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24. This is what I say after I say good morning to the Lord.  If you want to grow spiritually, you need to live your faith daily and be intentional in trusting God daily and not worrying about what might happen.  If you just let things happen, you will not focus on what will bring peace and contentment in your life.  You will only do what gets your attention – which is usually what is loudest and easiest.

If you want to acquire a new hobby or talent, you need to be intentional in setting aside time to learn and do it.  Make it a priority to write, draw, paint, play a sport or whatever will bring you enjoyment otherwise you will fill the time with things that eat up your time but have no eternal value.

Be intentional in rest and renewal. Take the nap.  Spend time reading the Bible and renewing your spirit.  Give your mind and spirit and body the needed rest and time away to renew.  Jesus knew the importance of going away and spending time alone in prayer.  He rested in the Father’s presence.  Sounds like a great example to follow.

We make a bucket list of adventures and trips we want to take someday.  Be intentional and do it now.  Don’t wait because you will probably never do it.  Take the trip.  Go on the vacation.  Take your children or grandchildren or your nieces and nephews on the outing you promised. 

In being intentional, you will need discipline and accountability.  Be intentional – think before you speak, follow through on your commitments, be present in the moment, be intentional in your choices.  Be intentional in putting God first in each day, each situation, each relationship.

Be intentional.  Think. Pray. Listen.