Being Intentional

What does that even mean? I heard someone say that we need to be "intentional" with our relationships. It struck a chord with me.

Intentional means that you meant to do it. So you are telling me that I have to be a father, and husband and not be reactive? Case in point: Daughter wears a short skirt. I tell her thats not allowed. She throws a huge fit. I end up saying something that is offensive. She learns nothing.

How about a different approach. A more intentional approach. Sitting watching the disney channel with your daughter. You say "Look at what she is wearing, what kind of person do you think she is?" There you go. She will tell you what she thinks. Ask a lot of questions like "what do you want people to think of you? Well then what clothes do you think you should wear?" Then next time she wears a short skirt you comment is a question "If you wear that what type of person do you think people will think you are? Is that what you want?"


On deeper issues think about what awesome things you can do being intentional. You could be the person that your step-kids come to when they have a problem if you are the one who knows them on a deeper level and are intentionally being a part of their lives. Being there is 50%. Listening is 25% and follow through is another 25%.

Rather then just waiting for them to come to you, make it happen and become intentional.

Be there, be fair, and make them feel awesome at what they do right. Single moms dont lose your focus. You are in the perfect position to have the biggest impact on a persons life. You can be a hero to your kids. Step-dads you have the chance to make a great life for the kiddos. It is up to you to decide who and what you are going to be. You can do it! Love first, Laugh second, and worry about the rest after.