When is the last time you have done something intentional? When is the last time you have been intentional with someone else? If you have to stop and really think about these questions, it has been too long.
Last week I was driving home from the gas station in my hometown. As I was braked at the red light, I noticed a corner of the street was absolutely covered in garbage and paper. It stretched on to the next block. I began to quickly think to myself, "Someone should clean that up. Maybe I will." Instead of parking at the local Arni's Pizza to clean up the mess, I decided to continue on my drive home. I justified it because I was bringing coffee home for someone and I did not want to waste time or let it become cold. Although, why did I not go back afterwards? I am sure there were many reasons at the time that seemed to have sealed the deal. Looking back, it was pure selfish ambitions. I did not want to take my time out of my day to clean up what someone else had the audacity to do. Perhaps, it was an accident that this plethera of trash appeared. Who could possibly know? However, I looked past this and only saw myself in the situation.
It is the small things now days that really begin to make a difference in our communities we live in. While new organizations, events, and outreaches are doing their fair share of difference making, there is more that can be done. It starts with me. It starts with you.
How about the last time you were intentional with someone else? This could mean just sending a random encouragement to anyone in your life via mail, text, or even phone call. Why is it that we are so afraid to pick up the phone and call people? Grandparents are waiting by that phone to hear from their grandchildren. I mean, we are always glued to our cell phones anyway, right? So, why not make someone else's day? Being intentional is someone's life can mean many things. Mentor someone younger than you. You have no idea the impact that could make on a young person's life. There is a young teenage girl from my home church whom I have grown very close to. She has such a huge soft heart and is at the most impressionable stage in her life. Middle school. She calls me and texts me while I am away at college for advice or just to simply talk and vent. It is the simple things that mean so much to her. Along with mentoring someone, allow yourself to be mentored by someone you trust and that is willing. Be careful not to put them in that place yourself. Allow them to choose to fill that role in your life. Trust me, it works out much better this way. Give them your time and honesty. Remember to not just bring your successes to them but, be vulnerable and reveal your mistakes. They will give you advice and make you think about the next step without telling you how to react or what action to take. They will mold you into the better you. The person in my life who held that mentor role during my senior year of high school told me this, "Why be good when you could be better?" So, they are not looking to defile you or bring you down. Instead, they want to build on your already incredible character and take you to the next level.
Be sure that when you are trying to be intentional with someone that you are being absolutely genuine. Be truthful, honest, and frank. Be positive and uplifting. Be encouraging instead of jealous. Be the friend that you have always wanted. But wait, there is a twist. Be the friend that you have always wanted without expecting anything in return.
So, I challenge you and myself. Make today and every day following be a testimony of your character. I once saw a poster that said, "Character is who you are when nobody else is looking." Do things out of the sincerity of your heart and not for someone else's eyes to see. Make an impression on someone's life for the better. When they think of you, it should be about how you as a person has added to their life and not taken away. We all have a story, but, it is up to you to author your next chapters. Being good is great. But, I challenge you to be the better you. Do not allow good to be good enough.
