An old friend once told me that a good intention is like the battery in your car; it will get your engine started, but it can’t steer the thing. I think we’ve all experienced times when we get started on a project and then get distracted or lose enthusiasm. Perhaps there are times we may have started a new diet, began a novel or meant to reach out to someone at church who experienced a loss; but once again, we were derailed. Sometimes, it isn’t distraction but a matter of the heart.
As an escapee from the jungles of corporate data networks in a large metropolitan city, I’ve seen firsthand the vicious tactics and aggressive nature motivated by money and stress. Unlike the handshake of rural America where often a person’s word is their reputation and integrity their benchmark, finding good intentions among the hoards of hungry players eager to close a deal or make a quota, can be discouraging.
I had been full of good intentions about being that good provider, about doing the right thing; but it occurred to me my quality of life seemed to be based on how much time I sat in traffic. I was lucky to spend an hour of time with our little kids before they went to bed. Interestingly, when you meet God in sincere prayer there’s a dynamic between the Creator and we, His creations, that I don’t think we fully appreciate. Our Heavenly Father desires us to be faithful and obedient; doesn’t seem like much to ask from the One who knew us before we were born and holds the mysteries of the universe, not to mention designing the microscopic parts of our body to work together like a fine-tuned machine. But if you’re honest about letting the Holy Spirit lead, then be careful what you wish for and you better hold on for the ride.
Seventeen years ago, an opportunity was put on the table that we knew was an answer to prayer. We found a home close to the family farm so we put our place up for sale and sent a vanload of items out to southwest Kansas. Gave work two weeks’ notice; but then our home sold in four days and a little stress started creeping in. Shortly after that, we were notified that circumstances prevented us from moving in for several months. Ugh, more stress. Forge ahead, change of plans. We put our entire household in storage, temporarily moved in with the in-laws and immersed ourselves in learning a new livelihood. Stress, stress. What’s that city boy doing over there? I wouldn’t get so close to that bull, boy. You aren’t from around here, are you… Stress, stress, stress.
I fully believed the Holy Spirit didn’t bring us along that far to leave us hanging; as if faith was squeezing the sponge so that the worry just kept draining away. Yes, we had good intentions but I sensed there was also commitment; we were all in. There are many people out there with both good intentions and wonderful follow-through. They are the ones, which may include yourself, that you can rely on in any circumstance. Are we as believers going to walk the walk after we talk the talk?
We originally thought this was a move for the kids, but we found this to be a time of personal growth and spiritual maturity for the parents too. The important thing is this: be available and be intentional. There are any number of ways to get started with a good intention, but unless you are willing to steer, you’re probably not going to get out of the garage. You might say that’s a key to experiencing fulfillment of what God has waiting for you on your journey. Don’t take my word for it; that little voice in your head will remind you that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there’s no one stopping you. It will be profoundly rewarding.
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