I've been running from coffee shop to coffee shop to house to house to restaurant to restaurant in efforts of spending as much time with as many people as possible. My messages are filled with texts about various times and dates with copious amounts of friends. Whenever someone crosses my mind, I text them and ask when we can meet up. I've been praying with so many people at so many coffee shops that it almost feels like a full-time job. When I finally have time to myself, I realize something is missing as I recount the activities of the day.

In Christian circles, being "intentional" is praised. It's a compliment to hear someone tell you how intentional you are. There are sermons preached about it on Sunday mornings and Bible studies encouraging this behavior. People are struggling, we hear, so be intentional with them and listen and learn how you can help. Grab coffee with people you haven't seen much of, we hear, it will spark conversation. Text your friends an encouraging verse or ask how you can pray for them, we hear.

While being intentional is an amazing way of showing Christ's love to others, I think I've lost sight of the One who I'm being intentional for in the first place.

I've been so caught up in being intentional with others, that I've missed being intentional with God Himself.

I plan my days around grabbing coffee with various people, instead of planning my day around grabbing my Bible.

I write in my calendar the times and places of where I'm meeting up with people, instead of staying still in the presence of the Lord.

I text and write notes of encouragement to those I think need it, instead of realizing I'm the one needing reassurance from the One whose words are the truest, purest, and most satisfying.

For how long have I justified these errands of intentionality with claims of modeling Jesus when it has been Christ Himself I've missed the most precious time with?

Maybe I should start making time for the Lord a priority before making time with His people.

Maybe I should be intentional with the King of Kings who is pursuing me each moment, instead of being disappointed when people don't reciprocate my efforts of coffee dates.

Maybe I should shift my eyes to the cross where God's intentional love for me was displayed. And maybe, by doing so, knowing God's heart more will compel me to know His children's hearts with genuine sincerity and authentic love.

Maybe the word "intentional" doesn't just apply to people, but maybe it applies also to the One who created us with the ability and desire for intentionality.