Living Life Intentionally

For most of us, we live life the best we can, making the most of what comes at us. We've been taught to "go with the flow" and "grab life by the horns". While these are well meaning, and even helpful things to remember, I think we can take it one step farther. Let's face it; we all want a "full" life. Many of us just don't know quite how to get there. So, how DO we make the most of life? Intentionality.

Merriam Webster defines the word "intentional" as "done by intention or design". The first known use of the word is in 1677, but the idea has been around for much longer than that. Being intentional is more than an action; it's a way of life. By living life purposefully and doing everything you do, saying everything you say, and thinking everything you think in a deliberate way, you have much more control over your life, and whether or not it lives up to its potential to be full. Now, please don't get me wrong, I believe wholeheartedly that God has 100% control of each one of our lives. However, we are much more than a piece in the game of life waiting to see what "the dice rolls" or what "hand of cards we are dealt". God gives us free choice to live the lives he has given us in whatever way we choose to. We can either choose to develop and maintain the relationships he has brought into our lives or we can become complacent and lose touch with those friends. We can either work hard at developing the brains and talents he has given us or we can become lazy and just see what happens. We can either be intentional about embracing what God has given us or we can sit back and take what comes at us with a grain of salt. 

Is there something in your life that you're not satisfied with? Is there something you wish you could change? Choose one thing that you can do to be more intentional in your life and see if it gives you a new perspective. Living life intentionally is so much better than doing the best with what comes at you. Instead of "grabbing life by the horns", be intentional about not getting into the bull pit in the first place.