I have been pondering my One Word for 2012 for two months now and have finally chosen ‘Intentional’ as my word for the year. When I began considering what my focus for the year should be, I recalled a note a co-worker wrote me upon her retirement a few years ago. She thanked me for reminding her “to keep the important things the important things.” I wasn’t aware that I had ever done that, but I appreciated the compliment and have tried to live up to it. Of course, I fail more often than I succeed but I keep trying.
In trying to find a word which would encompass “focusing on the important things,” I considered thoughtful, purposeful, and balanced, before deciding on intentional. The dictionary definition of intentional is “done with intent or purpose; deliberate.” I want to live my life with purpose and be deliberate in my actions.
My goal for 2012 is to be intentional in focusing my time and energy on what is truly important rather than simply responding to situations that present themselves. This will require me to set priorities and take actions that will help me to accomplish my priorities.
This year I want to be intentional (1) in getting deeper into God’s Word and growing closer to Him, (2) in seeking His will for every aspect of my life, (3) in putting relationships ahead of accomplishing a to-do list, and (4) in taking steps to maintain my health, which will include losing weight and exercising more. I want to intentionally choose activities that will enhance my life and my relationships rather than those that simply fill my time.
Living intentionally this year will mean that I will spend less time mindlessly watching whatever show happens to be on television or surfing the Internet, less time playing Solitaire and Angry Birds, and less time stressing over situations that may or may not occur and that won’t matter to me a week later. I’m sure I will fail often–it’s so easy to fall back into old habits–but my hope is that by making a deliberate decision to live intentionally, I will move closer to my goal of focusing my attention on the truly important things in life. As I do that I will come closer to accomplish my life goal of bringing honor and glory to God in all that I do.
Susan's Reflections 