Intentional Purpose

Having idle, free-time is definitely a danger unto itself. It lends credence to the old adage: Idle hands are the devil’s playground.

When I succeed in keeping myself busy with meaningful projects, I find that the time is blessed and fruitful – meaningful is the operative word. When the busy time is just that – busy – the same takeaway of having a fruitful day is not necessarily the same.

Being purposeful is just as important as being intentional.

It’s nice to have downtime when you can unwind and unplug and sometimes even turn off your brain – but for myself, I’ve discovered that downtime should also have a purpose or intent to it, whether it’s self-discovery or introspection activities like coloring, writing, journaling, Bible Study, and/or Devotional reading, or things you can do while engaging in a guilty pleasure (TV).

For me, that could look like folding
laundry or doing crafts or organizing while watching a favoriteshow or documentary.

When I stop giving into the easy, brainless activity simply for distraction’s sake and begin seeking a task with more purpose and blessing, I begin to notice a positive change in attitude and outward appearance.

It isn’t a simple task to steer ourselves away from the ‘easy unplug’ because, well, it’s easy! But if we are able to slowly wean ourselves, and resist the temptation that will consistently arise, and fill the time with more meaningful and valuable tasks, that in and of itself will become easier.

And it’s important to be mindful!

Pay attention to your surroundings and the people who are in our lives, and the habits we form. Daily, or at least weekly, we should pause to take stock of our blessings and our challenges and take an inventory of what we can do to instigate positive change to any situation or internal attitude.

Bad habits sneak up on us, often unexpected only because of how subtle their invasion is. So be mindful! If you find yourself justifying actions or attitudes, pause and question yourself. If you notice yourself reacting to things instead of listening, considering and then responding, pause and ask yourself ‘why’? Dig deep, confront yourself, and dare to shift your perspective.

We are programmed to be selfish, but if we can push beyond that inclination, there comes greater blessing and fulfillment in selflessness. In humility, and in service to others.

I struggle, daily, with a take-take-take persona that convinces herself saying ‘thank you’ is enough. While that is highly recommended, especially if it’s genuine, oftentimes, there is more of a blessing in showing the ‘thank you’ with simple yet meaningful actions. Showing versus Telling is the first rule in writing, and I begin to realize – finally – that it should be a strategy to bring deeper meaning and appreciation to our personal and professional relationships.