Intentional

I returned home last night from a three-day weekend retreat called Cursillo with a challenge from a pastor to “be intentional.”

What, he asked, are we going to do to be intentional in our lives? What are we really going to do to intentionally change the thing that needs changing?

I knew the answer. Didn’t want to admit it. But I knew it.

Yes, something had to change. I needed to be intentional.

And then, I was home. Two little girls — one celebrating her 7th birthday — were waiting for me with leap-into-your-arms hugs. We ate ice cream sundaes, unwrapped presents, sang Happy Birthday, played Calico Critters. I tucked the girls in bed, and thought about the challenge that the pastor presented before me.

What do I need to change, Lord? I asked Him.

His answer came immediately: You’re too busy.

God put the first signpost atop my packed calendar, filled with obligations, meetings, appointments, and deadlines. He left the answer right there, on top of all the stuff that I had committed to. He left it in the form of a handwritten note from the birthday girl, written to her mother while she was away at “Mommy Bible Camp.”

I found the note neatly folded and placed just where she knew I’d find it. She was intentional in where she placed it.

Here are her words:

“Dear Mom. I prayed for you in church today and I sat good in church too, and I sang with daddy and I listened to music. I love you sooooooo much!!! … Right here right now I am writing you this note and I am listening to a song called Above All. I love you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Love Lydia.”

Lydia, Thank you for your sweet note. It reminds me of what’s most important in my life. I know I have to cut some of the other stuff out. Otherwise, it could crowd out the time I need to save for you, and for the God who gave you to me, and for the Daddy who shares you with me. Honey, I am going to be intentional — which is a fancy way of saying I intend to keep my promise. And one more thing … I love you, too. xoxoxo Love, Mommy.