Intentional

Just as a warning, this is the second day this week that I have not taken the day well. You are now warned. I just came from the doctor’s office. I paid $35 for the doctor to tell me what I already know. I’m overweight and I need a diet and exercise thirty-five dollars to hear that. I told you I’m not taking today well. That is not the only reason. This did not happen overnight. Each year a few more pounds at the annual exam and each year a few less steps in activity adds up to overweight. It’s slow and gradual but cumulative. That’s what scales are for. They reveal the accumulation.

Yes, I have tried to diet and lose weight. My trying is really more thinking about it. I have the information. If I don’t there is always Google. You can find anything and nothing on Google. I know what I need to do. I just need to do it. I need to be intentional about my food choices and activities. A plan that yields less cumulative results as counted on the scales. My weight gain “just happened.” However, the weight loss will no longer just happen.

Our spiritual journey of transformation into grace bearing fruit beings of Jesus Christ doesn’t just happen either. It is intentional. God is intentional in transforming us over a life time into the image of his beloved son Jesus. Since it is his intention it will get done. I want you to consider your intentions in participating in that transformation.

Participating in our own transformation must be intentional. Last New Year you decided you would read your Bible, pray and meditate more. How is that going? I ask, were you intentional in setting aside time and a place to do that or did you think it would just happen? Life just happens most days and without intention it will squeeze out our reading, praying and meditating of God. It just happens.  It happens to me too.

How about an evaluation of your intentions and a renewal to be an intentional participant in your transformation? Make a plan that fits in your schedule. Set aside a small amount on time that you normally do noting or nothing of significant value. You know facebook, sitting around, gaming etc. You can carve 15 minutes off goof-off time to be intentional in your transformation. Then do it. It might require getting up a little earlier or going to bed a little later. Is it worth it to spend time with God? Time will tell. It’s cumulative this transformation. But it does not “just happen.”

That is how I left the conversation with the doctor. I committed to be intentional in my weight loss by making better eating and activity choices. I did think of a Big Mac for lunch as I was driving away. That was not intentional. I must be my own advocate. It all adds up.                            

 

In HIS Service and Yours,

BroG