Be Intentional TODAY – (How Did 15 Years Go So Fast?)

15 years goes by so fast!

Yesterday, we celebrated Hannah’s 15th birthday.  She was able to relax at home thanks to a day off from school.  To celebrate, we went out for dinner to an Asian restaurant nearby and for dessert at Dairy Queen.  When we arrived home we watched home movies for a while.  We watched Hannah as she could barely roll over.  We watched her dedication service.  And we watched her during her first year as a big sister.

Through the videos, I was reminded that Hannah has a double portion of grace.  Hannah means gracious, and her middle name is Grace.  I was reminded that Hannah has always had a fairly calm and steady personality.  Even as a baby, she was pretty content much of the time.  I was reminded that she is a leader.  I get to see that more now, but it was obvious through the videos that this quality was already developing when Hannah was three years old as she directed her brother around the house.

It’s hard to believe that Hannah has moved into high school this year.  It’s crazy to imagine that she could start driving with a permit in a year.  And it’s unbelievable to think that she will be looking at colleges before long.  We try to plan appropriately for upcoming events and changes, but I’ve also learned that it’s important not to get too wrapped up in the worries of the future.  We need to make the most of the current opportunities that we are experiencing.

One of my favorite verses come from Ephesians:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16

This verse is about the urgency of the message we have to proclaim about Jesus Christ.  We certainly need to make the most of every opportunity we have to share our faith with those who are far from God.  We need to be wise in how we live, so we set the best example and point people in the right direction.

I think this verse also applies to our relationships with our friends and family.  It’s easy to let the busyness of life hijack our time with our kids.  We can get so busy running from one activity to the next or trying to climb the corporate ladder that we forget to be intentional with the moments we have in the present.  Before we know it, our kids are teenagers.

These 15 years have gone by quickly, and I’m sure the next 15 will seem like a blur as well.  I want to make the most of every opportunity.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!  Thanks for changing our lives forever.

What are you doing today?  How will you be intentional with the time you have today with family and friends?