I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to live intentionally, to be a good steward of all the things we’ve been blessed with. It’s just so easy to drift through life reacting to circumstances, responding to emotions, and wearing deeper and deeper ruts down the path of least resistance.

But God has really been convicting me about this laissez-faire approach to life. And I’m glad. Because deep down inside, we all want our lives to matter for something greater than our own comfort. No one has the goal of being mediocre, of attaining the very lowest level of self-actualization that they need to get on in this world.

So what would it look like to be really, really intentional about the different aspects of our lives?

What are we doing to develop the gifts and talents God has given us, to nurture and inspire the unique people we were created to be? Are we setting aside time to develop the skills that support our giftings?

What are we doing to stimulate our intellect? Are we reading books? Taking classes? Participating in discussion groups?

How are we caring for the body we were born into? Are we exercising, consuming healthy foods? Or are we mindlessly stuffing ourselves with whatever is close at hand?

What are we doing to intentionally develop and strengthen our relationships? Are we setting aside time to play with our children? Have conversations with our spouse? Visit our relatives? Have coffee with friends?

Are we being intentional about our finances? (Ouch!) Are we paying attention to where our money goes, and to whom, or is this another area of mindless consumption?

Are we doing ANYTHING that contributes to the greater good? Will we leave this planet a better place than we found it?

How about our spiritual lives? Are we nurturing our relationship with God, or ignoring it, since God seldom screams for our attention like a hungry child or angry bill collector?

I’ll admit, I have a long way to go in these areas. But I am going to try–and if you’re game, consider this your invitation to come along for the ride!

Carpe diem, adeste fideles, and all that other Latin stuff. 🙂