¹We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. ²People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. ³Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:1-3

When my oldest daughter was young – maybe 14 years old or so – I felt disconnected from her. It seemed a great divide was developing between us and I didn’t know how to bridge the gap. Wanting to intentionally maintain and foster our relationship, I sought out an older woman for advice. Her wisdom gave me courage to reach out even when it didn’t seem my efforts were appreciated.

Later, on a Saturday afternoon, I asked my daughter if she wanted to walk into town and get some ice cream. This was when we lived in town and walking to the ice cream parlor was an option. That afternoon the older woman I turned to for advice happened to be driving through town and noticed my daughter and I walking. She applauded my intention the next time she saw me.

A best practice in developing an intentional lifestyle is to share with another person and invite wise counsel. As the wise writer of the Proverbs said, I might seem pure in my own eyes, only the Lord really knows. One way to commit your plans to the Lord is by sharing them with a trusted spiritual friend. When things go well, you have a cheerleader. When things flop, you have a comforter. It’s a win-win situation!

Who could help you make deliberate steps to more intentional, purposeful living? Does making your desires known feel scary? Does it scare you more to live accidentally? It’s your choice – what will it be?