Last night I attended a farewell gathering for a friend that is moving to a new company. The annual season when the “do I want to be working here” question is in full swing. He, like many I know, decided to take a different course. I always wonder about the reason. While I rarely sense I have the core reason, asking the question is an entry into part of the larger story.
On this occasion, he spoke of defining moments. He had the rare awareness of the impact the decisions he would take at this point of his life. His age, maturity, and personal circumstances were filled with potential! Young children, marketable experience, transferable skills, and age create a unique crossroad in his journey. What he chooses now will define much of what follows. He was being intentionally intentional in his choices.
It is interesting to look back and reflect on my awareness in those defining moments. For the big ones, I remember being intentional. Regardless of the outcome, the intent going in was aligned with my values and priorities. I could have made them with greater wisdom, however the intent was honorable. When I look at the little decisions, the story becomes muddy.
Across the ages, wisdom fathers have reminded us that being intentional trumps simply reacting. Intentional does not need to be a momentary thing; it can be a way of living and being. All aspects of life come into play. For example, “marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it’s for the purposes of prayer and fasting—but only for such times. Then come back together again.” (1 Corinthians 7.4)
Everyone has a gift – freedom. You and I can choose what we will do in the moment at hand. We have the ability to change things for the better. We have permission to reach higher and father. The possibilities are endless. We can be the one making the difference.
