I keep hearing the phrase "set your intention." It's not usually used in a spiritual way or with discipleship in mind. I most often hear it with self-help in mind. But even so, our minds are incredibly powerful and what we think day to day and moment to moment changes the decisions we make and ultimately the path of our lives. (Hence my message on June 2 about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds.) So while most people who "set their intentions" are looking to improve some part of their lives with the powerful tool of changing their thoughts and attitudes, I'd like to offer it as a suggestion to launch into your summer.
If you're like me, you have all kinds of goals for these next few months when the weather is warm. Beaches, markets, water parks, hikes...so many things to do! And if you're like me more often than not you end up at August 27th and wonder where all the weeks went and all you felt you did was eat a lot of hot dogs.
And what about your spiritual life? Without the routine of the school year, does time spent with God get lost on your daily agenda? Yeah, been there, done that.
So I'd like to invite you to join me in "setting your intention" this summer. Sure, put those fun summer activities with family and friends on the calendar so you actually make them happen... but don't start there. What kind of spiritual value could you gain in your life while the weather is warm and vacation days come your way?
Personally, I have set my intention to working through the stack of amazing books that are sitting on my desk this summer because I know I'll be inspired, encouraged and challenged by them. I intend to not miss one day on my YouVersion Bible app reading plan no matter how unstructured the summer days can be. And also, I'd like to write a new song over the next few months (which requires a lot of quiet piano and Jesus time for me).
How about you? I'd love to hear what you have decided to set you intention on this summer that will fill you up instead of leaving you feeling like you lost nine weeks. Reply on our blog or in the comments of the Facebook post with this devotional.
Looking forward to a beautiful summer!
Pastor Tracy
This Sunday
These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
"True Religion”
Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Pastor Erin kicks off our summer series.