Being Intentional

Two years ago I had a friend, who constantly used the word 'intentional' when she talked. About everything. Her marriage, family, work, gym routine, etc. She always used that word. I too began to place this word in my vocabulary and keep it at the forefront of my thoughts on a daily basis. It has been a huge game changer for not only me, but for our little family of 3.

And with our recent series at Grace about Rest, wow. Huge eye opener. It has taken me being intentional to a whole new level.

Webster says:

Intent-the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

I have began using this word on a daily basis.

A few examples of how I use the word and it has changed things for us:

Example: Brandon and I intentionally do not work past 6pm on Friday and all day Sunday. Friday is spent intentionally on date night and Sunday is family day.

Example: I am going to intentionally make Brandon smile today, by doing something special for him, because he is my husband and unfortunately life gets busy and I need to remember to keep him and our marriage as one of my main priorities.

Example: I am going to intentionally set my alarm 30 minutes earlier so I can get up and spend the beginning of my day with God.

Example: I am going to be intentional with my son today and let the dishes pile up. I am going to intentional put my phone in the other room and spend time with him. I am going to intentionally not let any distractions take place.

Example: On family day, I am going to intentionally bring board games, so that we intentionally spend time together building deeper relationships and having fun.

Example: On Sundays, I am going to intentionally REST with my family. Resting to me is unplugging from my iPhone. It is glued to my hip. I look at instagram and facebook way too much. Guilty! Leaving my phone on and near only for emergencies, but intentionally forcing myself not to touch it, brings me closer to my family and helps me rest.

By using this word, I have found so many blessings in my life that I had just been rushing around from task to task as I used to... I would have missed in plain sight.

Like this one. How instead of me thinking, 'You are driving me nuts! Please stop opening the drawers and cabinets and let me get ready.' I look down and think of how he is just curious and wants to know what I'm frying my hair with and what that crazy loud noise is coming from the machine I'm waving back and forth...

Instead of rushing through bath time and just rocking him and sticking him in the crib... Embracing the joy he gets from the 2 inches of water in the bath tub and the mini wave pool he makes, truly seeing the joy in his smile and giggle and letting him splash just a little while longer. Taking the time to go through a few books and help him start learning. And of course let him stay up a little bit later so mom can get more snuggles in the day!

Instead of being frustrated because we couldn't get a sitter because we failed to plan for date night... Seeing the grin on his face because he knew he got to sneak on our date night with us.

Instead of sitting and rocking and feeding completely frustrated because there is a massive mommy-to-do list downstairs I could be doing... Loving on every second and making my brain stop living downstairs with the chores and living here in this sweet moment.

Instead of thinking from day to day about how I can't get anything done because Bennett is home.. I stop from time to time and think about how grateful I am that God gave me the opportunity to 

#1 be a mom 

#2 be a stay at home mom so that I can raise him and not miss a beat

#3 be a work from home mom so that I can help support our family while loving on this sweet little man