Living with Intent or Living Intentionally?

Living with Intent or Living Intentionally? I began reflecting on these two very similar yet different words this morning and my reflection poses the following question – Do we live with intent or intentionally? The word “intent” is a noun. Nouns are nice words pretty much, but they are also passive giving a name to a person, place, or thing. The word “intentionally” is an adverb that answers a “how, when, or where” question. So… the question remains. Do we live with intent or are we living intentionally? When I think of the word “intent,” I am reminded of that familiar quote that goes something like this; “the road to ruin is paved with good intentions.” Intent without action is only an idea that is inert. However, when we do something intentionally, that implies a much more active role and there is an action that follows toward an objective or goal. I have had the honor of knowing several individuals that live and have lived very intentionally, but two women always come to mind first when I think of this concept; Patty Berry Rhodes and Wendy Warren. Both of these dear friends have left this life, but they did not leave without leaving their mark. Patty passed away suddenly and Wendy passed away after a long illness; however, both women lived intentionally and were on a constant quest for purpose and making a difference in their lives and the lives of people they encountered. Just weeks before her death, Wendy wrote these words: “If we are here for one another, why don’t we treat our fellow human beings better? Why are we selfish? Why then do we mostly worry about ‘ourselves’ and making sure we ‘got ours’? If God created us to live on Earth in particular and care for one another….why don’t we do that better? After all, we are given such a short time on Earth to accomplish that goal.” Patty’s wrote some pretty profound stuff only about a year before her death as well. “God has a plan for you and not living with God as your best friend and at your full potential is worse than building an 800 horse power engine and never starting it. Be all God made you to be.” Patty and Wendy never met, and they went to Eternity to be with the Lord under totally different circumstances, yet I find it absolutely astounding that both wrote with a common urgency and theme. We really are here for such a short time and there is so much to do. Do we sit around and ponder the intent, or do we step out and live intentionally? Do we admire that great engine, or do we turn the key and start it up to begin the journey? We have all been blessed and gifted by God with a finite amount of time in this life to accomplish something. We may not find that cure for cancer or write that best-selling book; however, if we strive each day to live intentionally for the cause of Christ, we will accomplish great things for the One who matters most. Be Blessed Always…. Winnie