Being Intentional

I must admit to be intentional is not an easy thing. I have discovered through blogging daily, at least attempting to, that I have had to become more intentional. If I don't first think about it and then actually set aside time, it won't get done. Yesterday, I thought about my intentions all day. I wanted to intentionally do the right things, extend favor unexpectedly to ones I met throughout my day. But it seemed I didn't have much opportunity. I let a man go ahead of me in the grocery line, but then I was put first by the friendly checker in the next aisle over. I guess it was her intention to move the lines a little faster. I had every intention to fix my husband dinner before I headed off to yoga, but my afternoon chores of putting away groceries, cleaning, and washing consumed my time, plus I ended up fatigued. I had to call and tell him, "sorry, you're on your own tonite." I had good intentions, but maybe too many, as they ended up as only wishful thoughts. I guess I was so focused on being intentional, I didn't finish all I had intended . . .

I also have discovered that I can't really know the intention of others without asking them directly. Sometimes I find myself assuming their intention by how they express themselves, but I have discovered with that I can usually be wrong. I know that my initial response with differing views can be negative, and I have to be more intentional in listening positively to the other side. Being intentional takes work!

But being intentional does give me focus for my day. It helps me set priorities that are important to me, and it gives me freedom to say yes or no to activities that could crowd my day. It's like my yoga instructor reminding me before my attempt at a challenging pose, "visualize yourself doing it, and then you can do it." If I'm not intentional, then I remain a victim to my feelings and the circumstances of my day. . .

Comments

Easter Production

Driving down the freeway, the large billboard caught my eye. "Join us for our Easter Production," it beckoned with splashy brown and orange colors. It made me think, yes, that's what the resurrection of Jesus Christ has been reduced to. . . a man made production. Even this very day we celebrate, the headlines are all about the celebrities that attract the biggest Easter crowd. E.G. "Tim Tebow draws thousands to Texas Easter service." Once again, I had to think . . . who is Easter really about? What happened to "Jesus draws a crowd?" I have grown tired of celebrity worship. Yet, it seems in America that is what most Christians are interested in. We flock to mega churches, we drink in videos and studies all geared to keep us simple minded and complacent. No longer is theology a priority to be taught. No, it's better to read through the Bible in a year by reading only 5 minutes a day. Never mind, contemplating or discuss...

Summer Breeze

Gypsy Rose immediately prances to the back door as she hears her name. We are ready for our morning walk, which has started later than usual, since I have some of these summer days off. But it is still early enough to catch the morning breeze. Walking south, I am refreshed by feeling the gentle wind all around me, it's a cool wrap in contrast to the summer sun. But it all seems to disappear as I turn the corner and head west, my summer breeze is gone. I am at a loss for it even as I continue north and east. It's only as I begin the southern sidewalks back home that I am met with the blissful breeze. I realize that though I wasn't feeling it for most of my steps, it was there all along, I just had to turn the right direction to get relief . . . Sometimes, that is how my relationship with God seems. Yes, I know He is ever near and is with me, but I don't feel that fact. Sometimes my prayers seem to be in a vacuum, and I'm ...

I am He

It's another one of those finicky March mornings. Yesterday was picture perfect with early morning warm sunshine, crisp clear air, and rocky mountain peaks all framed by a royal blue sky. On the other hand, today is a gray cloudy morning with the brilliance of Spring abruptly dimmed. It's even a bit too cool and breezy for my morning bike ride, so I'll enjoy this "clock change" Sunday morning here on my favorite couch. Opening the patio door, invites the sweetest aroma inside. You are instantly drawn to find the source of what you smell. Looking to my left, I see the beautiful vine that has climbed up one of Juniper trees, and has another trail of itself winding through a second tree. It is like looking at a cascading fountain of brilliant blossoms. I have found that the vine is known as a climbing jasmine. I have no idea how it has ended up in our yard. I can't exactly find its original site. I use to think it was ju...

Mary's Heartbeats

Search This Blog