Our Intentions

A friend recently paid me a compliment. She told me, “You are intentional.” Her accolade made me glad; my intention of being intentional was showing.

Whether having a conversation with someone, writing a post for my blog or teaching a yoga class, I immerse myself, as much as possible, into who or what is before me; staying present, enjoying the experience, gleaning the good and absorbing any insights that I see. 

I learned how to be intentional from my grandma Weber. As one of her sixteen grandchildren, along with my cousins, aunts and uncles, I’d enjoy and partake in holiday meals and celebrations at her house. But living with her, I got a closer look at how Grandma ticked.

She was in her early seventies when Mom, my little brother and I moved from Durango, Colorado to Lincoln, Nebraska to live with her. It was a traumatic time for our family. Dad had admitted himself to a hospital in Denver to get treatment for his depression and alcoholism. Without him as head of our household, my five other siblings were either living independently or with other families in Durango. Our family was fractured and so was I.

I did not know how badly I needed or wanted what Grandma’s life gave me; a vision of structure, safe boundaries, and regimented days. She did not try to enforce, regulate or push any of her ideals onto me, but watching her, I knew I wanted to be like her.

Every day of the week had its purpose making each day of the week purposeful; wash on Monday, iron on Tuesday, mend on Wednesday, shop on Thursday, clean on Friday, bake on Saturday, rest on Sunday. 

Grandma’s regiment of household keeping not only kept her home tidy, but well organized too. Even the junk drawer in her kitchen had its order.

She incorporated fast paced walking wherever she went; to the bus stop, grocery shopping or from the washing machine in her basement to the clothesline in the back yard. I’d watch her exercise on the living room floor with Jack LaLanne on the T.V.

Friends and family were important to her. Grandkids’ birthday cards were sent out on time and she regularly corresponded with all 13 of her 16 living siblings.

Even though Grandma grew up in the Catholic faith, she loved Billy Graham and listened to his preaching too. 

Grandma’s life showed me what a purposeful life looked like; keep what is paramount to your life paramount in your life.

Why Bother?

Why bother knowing our intentions? I am not sure whether or not Grandma intended for me to see, learn from and be influenced by her intentional living, but I was and I’m grateful. Without her, my life may have been more chaotic than clear. 

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, know they need to change, but are not quite sure where to start. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.