Purpose Driven: Living Intentionally > Living Perfectly
By: Jessi Blunier
When I think of living purpose driven, I think of intentionality. We’re all born with the ability to choose—it’s something God did way back in the beginning of time, because He doesn’t force us to do anything. A quick online search will give you this definition for intentionality: “The fact of being deliberate or purposive.”
Living with intention means choosing the higher road, even when you don’t feel like it. Even when you’re tired. Even when your week isn’t lining up to the ideal circumstances for that particular task. Even when another choice looks easier or more fun.
This looks different for everyone, but I’ll rattle off a few things that come to mind in my personal life.
- Choosing to prepare a home-cooked meal, even though it requires more thought and prep. (Result: my husband and I are healthier, happier, and can enjoy delicious leftovers the next day [now THAT is due to some intentionality on my part 😉])
- Choosing to take a walk, even though I’m feeling tired and just want to relax. (Result: I get exercise, fresh air, time to unwind, and I ALWAYS feel better after a walk)
- Choosing to tidy the house before turning in for the night. (Result: “Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.” [Thanks Anne Shirley!] … I can leave for work with a clean house to come home to!)
- Choosing to read my Bible and spend time in prayer, even if I don’t always feel like it. (Result: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8 … God doesn’t drift from us—we have the choice to come to Him or leave Him in the background of our lives)
- Choosing to invest in friendships and those around me, even though it takes effort and time and work. (Result: I have people I can lean on for advice, encouragement, and friendship)
These are just a few examples, and believe me, I have also done the flip side of all of these: throwing a frozen pizza in the oven, vegging on the couch, leaving the house with dishes in the sink and laundry to do, skipping my Bible reading for the day, and becoming lackluster in my relationships. You know what I’ve found? On those days when I choose the (seemingly) easy route, it actually makes things harder for me. I feel thrown together and haphazard, and (surprise, surprise) I don’t feel good about myself when I live that way.
This isn’t an exhortation to perfectionism—because that’s not a healthy way to live either (coming from a self-diagnosed perfectionist). But I do want to encourage each of us to remember our ability to choose. We each have the ability to make our life one that is filled with purpose. What choices will you make today to have a better tomorrow?
“Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” – Jim Rohn
