Be Intentional

Three years ago, I was asked to participate as a speaker for one of our Ladies' Retreats. I agreed but immediately was filled with dread. 

I am a teacher. I speak publicly every single day. It is what I am paid to do. My career.

However, speaking publicly before my students is so much easier for me than standing (or sitting) before other women.

Once again, Satan played on my low self-worth and reminded me I really wasn't up to the task. These are women I admire and look to for examples in my daily life. I should be a listener. I really have nothing to share.

However, I prayed, prepared, studied, prayed, prepared, studied and prayed some more and put together a small talk on "The Busyness of Life."

Putting together the talk was not an issue. I had already been studying this subject in my own personal studies. However, polishing it for others required a bit more dedication.

Weather intervened. The retreat was canceled. I did not have to speak publicly before these ladies whom I revered. I was relieved. Whew!!

I then immediately felt guilty. I felt, as though, somehow, my self-doubt had allowed Satan to win via the weather.

About 3 months later, the ladies decided to use our retreat plans and incorporate them into a ladies' class. I was again asked to present my lesson. I, again, reluctantly agreed. Again, I prayed for courage to accomplish the task.

I really didn't discuss my anxiety with anyone except my husband and God. 

Every time I looked for reasons in scripture as to why I shouldn't present my lesson, I found myself being reminded I should share my talent and not bury it. 

My husband didn't seem to fathom how unworthy I felt about this and reminded me I should be thankful for opportunities. Which I simply heard as: Blah, Blah, Blah! 😜

However, I learned so much from that experience. I learned the importance of being intentional!

So today I am sharing parts of my lesson because it is January 4. 

Resolutions have been made.

It is a new year.

It is a clean slate.

New calendars have been purchased.

Plans are being put into place.

Commitments are being secured.

Reservations are being made.

Others are asking you to schedule something.

You are working to organize yourself, your family, and your life for 2018.

However, it is also a time when I need to step back and remind myself of the dangers of "busyness."

Socrates (great Philosopher) said, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
This warning is over 2000 years old but is still so very relevant today.

We can be as busy as we choose to be. We can be "crazy busy," as some describe their lives. However, what are we choosing to be busy doing?

"Every time you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else."

We all have the same amount of seconds in a minute, minutes in an hour, hours in a day, and days in a week, etc. etc. etc.

What are we doing with our time when we say yes?

Sometimes we say yes to things because we feel compelled to keep up with others.

Sometimes we say yes to things because it makes us feel important.

Sometimes we say yes to things because we want others to be impressed.

Sometimes we say yes to things because we feel guilty if we say no.

However, we should really "Be Intentional" when we say yes.

Our time is valuable. We should use it "with fidelity" or faithfully.

When we are too busy:

1. We are not joyful. 
2. We are grumpy. 
3. We complain. 
4. We become martyrs for a bigger cause.
5. We wear our "busyness" like a badge.
6. We exhaust ourselves in our "busyness."

So, on this 4th day of the first month of a new year, as I am being asked to:

1. Make plans
2. Commit
3. Reserve
4. Schedule
5. Organize
6. Etc., etc.

I need to take a step back and evaluate before I respond.

I really need to make sure all of my decisions and actions honor God. 

When we allow life to become crazy busy, we choke the spiritual life right out of us.

When we allow our "busyness" to take over, we are pleasing people and not God.

To manage our "busyness," we must rest our soul. We need to take time for rest, quiet, and calmness with God.  Jesus even reminded Martha about focusing on spiritual things. (Although, I still struggle with this because someone has to be Mary!)

So when I am making plans, committing, reserving, scheduling, and organizing, I need to also rest, and take time with God. This will keep me focused. This will help me "Be Intentional."

We need to develop a close companionship with God so the decisions we make aren’t difficult. We will know His voice. 

The following passages are two of my favorite verses. I have them framed and displayed on my desk. They pop up often in my daily life. The first one popped up in our Ladies' Bible class last night. I do not believe that is a coincidence.

Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God.

When we intentionally become close to God, we will hear His voice.

Time with God calms our soul.

When we nurture our soul, we can help others.

We can't pour from an empty cup.

We need to remember Christ is our measuring stick.

"Busy is a choice! Stress is a choice! Joy is a choice!" – Anne Voskamp

I must choose wisely.

I must "Be Intentional!" (#10)

I was blessed by this lesson more than anyone who heard it or will read it. 

I am thankful for that opportunity. My husband was right. 😉

~ Jan 💓