In this busy world we live in it doesn’t take long to see our schedules fill up with activities, appointments, chores, school, work, and more. After all, WE are the keepers of our calendars.
But if we are to free up time for the things that matter most then we must be INTENTIONAL about doing so.
The word intentional can be empowering if we are deliberate with our choices.
I find it interesting that I have a common calendar on both my phone and computer, and a paper calendar that supports my need to physically put something in print. I intentionally write down important events, draw attention to notes, add items to the grocery list, and make extra room for tidbits of information that keep me on track.
But do we intentionally and consistently plan for what matters most?
While these resources help us stay organized, they also show us where and what our time wasters are. If we look back on previous calendars will we see a consistently scheduled quiet time with God? Will we find the time we spent on social media scheduled? Will we find the many other distractions penciled in for the sake of ‘getting it all done’?
While each of us is different, I know that the older I get, the more I’m looking for the blank spaces during the month. I cherish the extra time in the evenings that I can spend with my husband. I’m searching for the vacant moments in the day that will allow my servant’s heart the opportunity to honor God. And, I’m looking for Saturday’s that aren’t overcrowded with a lot of unnecessary and meaningless fluff so I can spend time with family.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
If we are going to take control of what’s going on in our lives then prioritizing our schedules is a must. We can start by carving out time to spend with our Heavenly Father. There is nothing that can dominate our lives if we spend time in prayer and in the Word. We must stop trying to do things solely of the flesh, and instead rely on the strength of the ‘Great I Am.’
Tweet ThisChrist knows us better than we know ourselves and we can do nothing apart from him.
My friend, Jodie Barrett, of Faithfully Following Ministries reminds us that, “We must be intentional in creating time…quality time for the One who sees time so much differently than us.” Meditate on that thought for a moment.
Having quality alone time with God keeps our focus on him and helps us to be steady and sure-footed so we don’t get disconnected from Him.
So let’s move forward and be intentional in our actions, while finding the blank spaces in our calendars. Just think about the amazing things that can happen in our lives if we are deliberate with our hearts and minds.
Here’s how to get started:
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Romans 12:1-2 MSG
Let us pray~Father God, thank you for every moment that you give to us, for they are gifts. Let us treasure the time we have with you, and with our family and friends. May each of us be touched by the possibilities that you put before us, and help us to choose wisely in what we pursue. Thank you for your unconditional love when we fall short, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to begin again and again.
Blessings & Hugs for a great week ahead.
Leave a Reply