Intentional Living

Yesterday I mentioned some changes I'm making in my life...well, that is trying to make. I feel as though I'm always doing this...always starting over, but no matter how defeated I feel, it must be done. I don't think I'll wake up tomorrow and be able to suddenly flip the switch that allows me to do everything I'm supposed to do when I'm supposed to do it, I think it will be a process. 

Today was the first step in that process...a very painful but productive massage. The physical demands of playing the organ and the massive amounts of time I spend sitting take their toll on my body. Add in emotional trauma and we have a mess! I wasn't going to go, finances being what they are, but I also knew if I'm going to make the changes I want to make, I have to be in my best physical form and a massage is the very beginning of that. 

Ephesians 5

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 [f]trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even [g]expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are[h]exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [i]it says,

“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”

15 Therefore [j]be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,16 [k]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, [l]for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to[m]one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to [n]God, even the Father; 21 [o]and be subject to one another in the [p]fear of Christ.

I read something someone wrote about "intentional living", they used Ephesians chapter 5 as their Scripture base. I think there is more to the meaning of this passage than just spending our time wisely, but I do think what she had to say has a lot to do with what I'm going through right now. I especially connected with verses 15 and 16. It is my intent to make the most of my time. The ultimate goal is to glorify God with how we spend our time. Don't get me wrong, I still think there is time to "let my hair down" and just enjoy some things in life for no other reason than sheer enjoyment and I believe God blesses that as well, but I know I waste quite a bit of time - usually on the computer. I find ways to put off studying, practicing or working out - I think I'm just lazy. I also have filled my time with too many things I might enjoy but don't necessarily bring me any closer to accomplishing my goals.

Tonight after my massage I'm very worn out. I can't believe it's already 9:00. I may work on my scrapbook (yes, that's on the goal list) for a short while, but I hope to turn in early so I can get an early start tomorrow. I hope I'll be feeling better and will be able to "make the most of the time".