A few years ago I took a day between Christmas and New Year’s to pray for direction as I set hard-charging goals for the following year. And what I heard God say was “wait.” No goals, no pursuing new clients or new speaking engagements. Instead I was to trust God to bring me clients and speaking engagements, and he did.
In December I began to pray and plan for 2017. And the word God gave me for this year was almost the opposite of “wait.” The word he impressed on my mind for this year is “intentional.” Be intentional in going after new clients for my writing and editing. Be intentional about introducing myself to new churches and retreat centers for possible speaking engagements. Be intentional about selling my newly published book, Finding Balance in the Circus of Life. And most of all, be intentional about living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
It’s a bit ironic that “Be Intentional” is a chapter title in said book. Time to apply my own advice.
That’s the thing about being intentional—you have to choose to intentionally be intentional every day. If you aren’t paying attention, you become comfortable with the status quo, and atrophy sets in. Life (or your business or your health or your spiritual life or your family priorities) may be far from perfect, but it will do. You’re used to it.
And life goes by.
And you wonder what happened.
The Apostle Paul tell us in Colossians that we need to ensure we aren’t wasting our lives: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. . . . Make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4: 2, 5).
So I’m going to spend this year making the most of every opportunity. I plan to see the opportunities in front of me and to create opportunities as well. Whether it’s attending networking events. Or actually calling and meeting with women’s ministry leaders. Or doing book readings and signings (gulp). Or getting up early enough to fit in a walk and unrushed Bible reading and prayer time. And then I leave the results with God.
Maybe “opportunity” isn’t the word God has for you thisyear. But trust me, he will still bring opportunities your way.
Make the most of them!
Happy 2017!
Very well said, I just wish you were closer to us. Miss spending time with you and your husband.
Thanks, Carol! I wish we lived closer too. We are checking on the dates Dan sent us for The Cove.
I had the pleasure of meeting you at Keswick for the women’s luncheon. I purchased your book started reading Now my goals are to take more time to read,do puzzles scrapbook..and hobbies I enjoy..I’m sure your book will help me.. 2017 and finished all my uncompleted..goals from last year..stay focus on my house to declutter ..Homes up for sale a have a lot to acomplish..I really enjoyed you speaking and it was just what I needed to here. Thank you ,looking forward to the women’s weekend in October. ..Janice. Happy New year!!!2017..
Good to hear from you, Janice! Thanks for commenting. Keep pursuing those goals to get that house sold. And I’ll see you in October!