Make Today Intentional
What She Said - Part 6
Keri Papili, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
It’s Monday. The start of another week, a hopeful beginning. I’m a big fan of new beginnings. At the start of every year, I, like so many others, set goals, resolutions, and intentions for the 365 days to come. And at the start of every week, it feels like a mini “New Year’s Day” to me. It’s the start of a new week and I go into Monday re-energized and ready to “tackle” the days ahead.
Last year, the days blurred together. In the midst of quarantining/social distancing, Monday felt like Wednesday which felt like Saturday. The days seemed to blend together, and the goals I set at the beginning of the year felt like pipe dreams. It was in the midst of the blurred days that my eyes were opened. I can either run through life striving and wishing for the next thing, or I can be intentional in the here and now.
Intentional. The dictionary defines it as “done on purpose, deliberate.” It is so easy to rush through life: going, going, going. Running through the day, completing the never-ending to-do list: check, check, check. The more I thought about this, the more I realized how life would radically change if I made the small switch in my thinking and actions to live life intentionally.
Instead of gulping down my coffee, what if I took the time to truly appreciate its flavor? Instead of waiting for a moment to speak in conversation, what if I truly took the time to listen?
Instead of rushing to the next thing, what if I truly took a moment to appreciate the here and now?
All throughout the Scripture are examples of people being intentional. Jesus, for one, truly listened and acted deliberately. Everything he did on earth was done on purpose.
Every action, every moment, and every word of Jesus was done deliberately, on purpose, and full of intention. Every book of the Bible was intentionally written and included.
Take it one step further: Jesus is intentional with us! He truly listens to us. He does not brush off our struggles and wait for “His turn” to speak. Jesus listens, speaks, and acts with the utmost intention down to the tiniest details.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Observing Jesus’ intentional behavior through Scripture encourages me to be intentional in my relationships, as well. When was the last time you asked, “How are you doing?” and truly listened to the answer. Intentional actions do not have to be grand gestures. Intentionality can be performed through the tiny moments of everyday life.
Today is Monday, a great time to reset and look at a fresh week ahead. I pray that we will go forth with intention. We will be deliberate in our actions and thoughts and look for moments where we can slow down and truly dwell in each moment God has created.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
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Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.