Intentional

I’m a creature of habit. Each day I drive to work via the same route, park in the same area of the parking lot, enter through the same door, and climb the same set of stairs to my office. Because I am also a creature of clumsiness, I typically look down – watching the staircase as I climb it. But when I get to the top, I lift my eyes and am greeted by the New Life Staff Values prominently displayed on the wall in front of me.

I’ve been honored to be on the staff of New Life Church for more than eight years now. I work for the author of those staff values. I know the staff values because I’ve been surrounded by others who live them out, I’ve had them demonstrated to me lavishly, and I’ve asked for God’s grace to live and exemplify them myself each day. The New Life Church Staff Values have become part of my DNA. And earlier this week, as I paused at the top of the stairs, this one seemed to jump off the wall and dance in front of me:

Intentionality: 
We choose to practice intentionality in our planning
so that our efforts are done with excellence
in a sustainable rhythm of work and rest.

When I meet people and they learn that I work for a church, they have one of two reactions:

1. Oh, it must be glorious to work all day with so many who love God and not have to deal with “people.” What a perfect environment! Or….
2. How on earth have you worked in ministry that long? You must be getting close to burnout! (Really? Eight years is a long time?)

Well, first of all: yes, it is wonderful to work with these incredible people whom I love deeply! But please understand that we have contended for relationship and peace because it is not a perfect environment, and we are not perfect people! We all just love a perfect God. And that’s a great starting place.

And secondly, value #3. We choose to practice intentionality in our planning (we do our best to honor and consider one another as we move forward) so that our efforts (ideas, words and work) are done with excellence (not perfection, but to the best of our ability right now) in a sustainable rhythm (so we can serve the Lord and love His people for a loooong time together) of work and rest (because we are created by our Father for both).

Do we always get it right? Nope! Do we bump heads and get fussy with each other from time to time? Sure we do! But it is because each of us have been assigned by the Lord for this place and time with His specific gifts and we take that seriously. And joyfully. And passionately. We should  be excited over being invited by the Creator of the universe into His work! So it is worth every moment of effort to be intentional.

This week, especially, I am asking God to help me be more intentional. To be more aware of what I’m doing and why. To remind me to look up and see the people He has placed in front of me – the ones I am asking God to bless with my work. To do my best and thank Him for what is done and what is left undone. To work hard and rest well so I can serve His people and love Him for a loooong time.

Lord, let it be.

You are adored.