Lol, I actually reversed week three and four. This week should have been studied before working with our hands, but that's how it goes when you have two littles running around with the brain cells you gave them.
This week we are looking at the Proverbs 31 and how intentional and dependable she is.
Right off the bat, I personally feel triggered because I'm probably the biggest flake I know. I have such good intentions on things I say yes to, but when the time comes, I've internally moved on to something else that interests me.
That sounds kind of harsh when I confess it out loud, but it's the truth. It's not that that person I agreed to see or the task I agreed to complete isn't interesting, or that I don't love them, but whatever I'm feeling in the moment has ruled me for far too long.
So, like integrity (which actually to me holds hands with dependability), I often find myself not as dependable as I like, and only until meeting Jesus have I truly valued being a dependable person. I want my word to mean something. I've reflected a lot on this and love that a dependable woman is such a Proverbs 31 quality.
Dependability is also so intertwined with being trustworthy.
For me, I feel like dependability is such a Jesus-like trait. Because we can depend on him. We can trust in him. He is our rock, our fortress. When we allow for others to depend on us, we are living more like Jesus. We are showing love in a way that is rock-solid. And it allows for us to depend on Jesus more in return. Practicing what we preach in a sense.
What is your relationship with dependability?
Now, intentionality is something I absolutely love. Even when I was practicing witchcraft, I felt like one of the things that drew me so close to that realm was it was an intentional practice.
Intentionality can bleed over into every area of life. Especially as we fear the LORD... Being obedient and trusting and fearing and worshiping the LORD can look like so many different things, but it comes down to doing it all with intention.
Personally, living intentionally is something so life-giving, which is exactly what Jesus is. He gives us life. Living intentionally and doing the things we are called to do is breathing life into us that is intentional life and not chaotic or random by any means. I love that being intentional also allows for us (especially those who like to control things) to take control of ourselves.
When we are intention, we are able to bear the fruit of self-control, patience, love, gentleness... because we are literally taking ANY given moment and transmuting it into not something that's happening to us, but moving through it in a way that makes us an active participant in whatever is happening. So while we are not really in control of anything, only the Good LORD is, he gives us this chance to use our free-will with grace and order.
Being intentional allows for us to show up for ourselves and others well. Which, isn't that the ultimate goal on this earth; to love God and love others really well?
Questions to reflect on:
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In what area of life are you a little flakier than you like to be?
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What area of life have you been lacking intentionality?
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How can you change both areas of these answers, today?
Do you struggle with dependability or intentionality? Are you someone that maybe believes you are super mindful and intentional, but don't see the fruit that comes from it? I know I've had many seasons where I see myself as so mindful and living so intentionally, but upon reflection, realize there's been no fruit and I've had to really be honest with myself in those areas... Because it's such a clear indication of where more intentionality can be injected.
I'd love to hear from you and where you are in this week's reflection!
Many, many blessings.
