Intentionality

How do you be intentional when you don’t know what is coming?

If you are anything like me, you are probably on plan 2,456 for life during this pandemic and by the time you finish reading this will be on plan 2,523.

During these times we can feel unstable, unsure, and hesitant. We may not notice it, but perhaps due to the uncertainty, we have started to withhold things. If we dig a bit deeper we may see that we not only withhold physical things, but emotional, mental, and spiritual as well. We enter into a state of self-preservation, almost like a natural reaction. 

With so many shifting scenarios (like right now trying to figure out if the kids are going back to school in the Fall!) we become overwhelmed and can begin to lose sight of God, ourselves, and others. 

So as we take a minute this week to pause, how are we doing at being intentional in those three areas?

 

The only thing that hasn’t changed in the midst of all of this uncertainty and chaos is God. He is constant, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Intentionally connecting with God each day helps to anchor us in the midst of the waves of uncertainty. It helps us to remember to trust in Him and not the things of this world. It helps us also be able to help others, but more of that here in a bit. 

It sounds odd to say be intentional with yourself? It sounds a bit selfish. However, if we are unaware of how we are truly doing, then we get dangerously close to either burnout or apathy. It is not selfish to be self-aware, for when we move towards health personally we are actually taking the first step towards investing in the health of our families and communities. 

I have long been challenged by the words of Hebrews 3:13 to encourage one another daily, and in these uncertain times, those words are needed all the more. We are all feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and anxious. By using our words to remind others of God’s goodness, power, provision, hope, love, grace, truth, strength, etc… we help to bring life and light in the midst of the darkness. By being connected to God each day, aware of His presence, our personal needs, and the needs of others, we become available for Him to use us intentionally in His work that He has prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10) even in the midst of a pandemic. 

May He open our eyes, touch our hearts, serve with our hands, and guide our steps…one at a time. 

Blessings,

Britton

Collegiate Abbey

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.