Life happens. And sometimes it happens faster and/or more harshly than we’d have hoped. But that is true for all of us. None of us can escape the changing seas or dictate which way the wind blows… So how do we take what is happening TO US and redirect it FOR US?

Well to start you need to be intentional about being intentional. Our friend James shared this idea with us and we thought it would encourage you as you pursue & navigate the unexpected next.

He shared an analogy about sailing emphasizing that the elements are not up to you. The size of the waves and the direction of the wind are beyond your control. That is a lot like life. Sometimes it feels like life is on your side and sometimes it feels like life is working against you. Ultimately you have no control how life is coming at you.

But there are things you can control… And hear us when we say, what you do with that control means everything. cue dramatic music

You see, as the wind fills the sails it can propel you to where you want to go or in the opposite direction. That’s up to the wind. But the problem not only lies in the flawed mindset that we are dependent on our circumstances i.e. wind being for or against us but there is a secondary problem..

A problem in which we see our sails full of wind, feel a false sense of security because we are moving but we aren’t paying attention to which way we are moving and we end up somewhere we don’t want to be. We forget to shift our sails to harness the wind in a way that will propel us towards our desired direction. As our friend James shared “it’s the intentionality of the sailor that causes the sails to be filled and propel the ship. They are not just waiting on the wind to blow let alone blow in the right direction”.

So this idea of “being intentional about being intentional” can be broken down like this. Being intentional is having your boat pointed in the right direction or having your sail up waiting & ready for the wind. We’re sure you are doing those things in your life. But being intentional about being intentional would be adjusting the direction of your boat & sails in order to receive the wind no matter which way it is blowing in order to continue forward. (1 Corinthians 9:26)

So activity isn’t enough, it needs to be intentional activity that is helpful to where you want to go. Which can include saying “no”, avoiding distractions disguised as opportunities and so on. Pray for clarity on this. (James 1:5-8)

Life is going to happen no matter what. Rough seas or glass like water. Wind at your back or against your face. You cannot control those things but you can control you. How will you intentionally take what life throws at you and use as an opportunity?

On a personal note we are taking this topic to heart. Even this morning while we are running on very little sleep we are choosing joy. And to be honest, it’s hard. Sometimes we want to throw ourselves a pity party and just be down but that doesn’t honor God nor does it help the situation. We won’t let our joy be stolen because of exterior circumstances! We are going navigate the winds & waves and continue pressing forward into the future God has for us!

Thank you for being a member of the Sunday Send! We love you & remember… you are God’s masterpiece!

p.s. when you’re ready, here are some ways we can help…