I stumbled across a quote recently that has been messing with me. “Live less out of habit and more out of intent.” The author of said quote has proved difficult to nail down. Nonetheless, I can’t seem to get their words out of my head. Being a “work at home mom” has been a challenging new lifestyle for me. I have found it difficult to find motivation to do just about anything. I can’t seem to find the power within me to get up and get things done. And I’ve noticed I’m not just going to naturally be effective or do things that require effort. No one is putting a fire under my rear, and it’s more up to me than ever to accomplish my goals and dreams. As a human being, I am very prone to habits and less prone to intention. I think most of us fall into this category.
As a new mom with more time on my hands than ever, this concept of living out of intent really appeals to me. Obviously, it sounds more idealistic than realistic, but I think I’d like to do my best to give it a try! Not every day will be perfectly intentional, but I have to start somewhere.
I think the concept of living less out of my bad habits and more out of intention will make this next year more abundant and fruitful than ever. With the time I now have on my hands free as the baby is napping or playing, I want to avoid falling into wasteful habits. Sure there is a place for rest and chilling out, but I’d like to see my days become more productive as Wesley becomes more independent!
For me this looks like instead of starting another episode on Netflix, starting another chapter in a intentionally chosen book. Instead of pulling out my phone to thoughtlessly scroll on social media, cleaning out my closet or doing the dishes I’ve been avoiding all day. I can leave out better snacks that will actually give me energy, rather than reach for the closest piece of chocolate. These types of choices will require more effort on my part, but will hopefully pave new “habits” and enrich my life. There are so many places I can become more intentional: personally, with the Lord, with Craig, with my son, with friends, etc. The list could go on and on. I’m excited. I think this goal leaves tons of room to grow and tons of room for grace. It encompasses all the little goals I have and will hopefully overall simply make this year better.
So, this is my goal/challenge/word.
Is there something God is speaking to you, or even something you’d just like to see happen for yourself this year? It’s really true that we perish for a lack of vision. (Proverbs 29:18) We are all made to have our eyes set on something, and I feel this is where God is calling me to set my eyes right now. I would encourage you to take even a minute to see what the Lord is speaking to your heart. Has something you read recently stuck out to you? How can you live more intentionally in the days to come?
By Rachel Denison
