As I made my way to work over the last several months, I came across a billboard that was borderline inappropriate.
When I knew the sign was coming up, I made a conscious effort to avert my eyes to avoid looking at it.
It wasn’t easy because it was a catchy ad, strategically placed near MY exit, and the sign was massive.
The marketers knew what they were doing.
If I wasn’t intentional, I could easily get drawn into the message behind it- and it’s not a good one.
Most days, I’m exhausted after work with dinner preparation looming ahead. As I walk in, I often see my daughter working on her iPad. She’s close to being a teen, and I know life isn’t easy at that age- grades, teacher, friends.
I’m tired, but I still ask her about her day. She looks up and we start to talk about things- how school is hard and all about friend drama.
If I’m not intentional, I’ll miss these moments when I can speak life into her day, encourage her, and prepare her for even bigger challenges. Those few minutes are so valuable.
My husband shared with me his work plans for this year, and he has some dreams where God will need to intervene. Who better than me to pray for him? Often, I can’t see past the dishes and sports schedules to realize that my role as a wife is more than just keeping the house maintained. It’s also to be his prayer warrior and the one who says, “You CAN do this. I’m right there with you!”
If I’m not intentional, I’ll miss the powerful ministry I have as a wife to bless my husband.
At the beginning of my day, my “to-do list” is long. But I don’t want to miss reading my Bible. I’ve learned how much peace and wisdom God gives me to make it through my “to-do list”. In fact, I look forward to reading about the principles and patterns that I can use in 2024.
Stories about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob- how are they relevant to me today? Well, here’s a few lessons: child-rearing (don’t pick a favorite child!), marriage (choose a spouse who serves God), avoiding conflict (you go that way, I’ll go this way), and finances (the first 1/10 of my earnings belongs to God). And all these lessons are just from the first few pages of the Bible!
If I’m not intentional, I’m missing out on God’s principles that I need today!
December 31 of this year will here in the blink of an eye. Don’t look back with regret.
Be intentional. You don’t reach goals by accident.
Whether it’s avoiding sin, spending precious time with family, or diving into the Bible, create new habits TODAY.
Your choices today are seeds in the ground. What kind of harvest are you hoping for?
~Elizabeth/Betsy
