The kids and I discussed today the definition of "intentionally". Lots to focus on here. We looked at some of our other English words that are related to intentionally. Words like: intent ~ intend ~ intended ~ intense ~ intensive ~ intensify ~ intention.
We talked of the necessity of living life with purpose ~ of emphasizing our strong, deep devotion to the most important things in life ~ daily communication with our Creator, love and grace for our family, compassion and goodwill toward others, diligence to the work we have been given to do. Being firmly fixed in attention to the plan. Meditating on what that plan is going to be and staying true to it.
Intent invokes such a powerful response. There is no room for status quo or half-heartedness. There is no room for diversion or getting side-tracked.
So many times the things that cause us the most harm are the things that pop up when we are allowing ourselves to get distracted from the plan.
I love the verses in Ephesians where Paul describes his life as running a race. He is fixed on the goal. He runs as one who wants to finish strong. He doesn't want to fall or get tripped up by the extras of life. His eyes are fixed on the goal, and he won't give up until he gets there. That's living intentionally.
