Intentions and Actions

Years ago, when I began growing my beard, I did a survey. When anyone asked or commented about my beard, I would ask them, “When does a man who needs a shave become a man with a beard?” My favorite answer was “the moment a man decides not to shave so that the beard begins to grow, he becomes a man with a beard.” Even if it is the moment before the shaving equipment is put away, whenever the decision is made, he is a man with a beard.
Isn’t it in that moment when we set our intentions to accomplish something that things begin to really happen? I like the question David Allen poses in his book, Getting Things Done, “What is the desired outcome?” Our intentions help us clarify our answer to David’s question.

While intentions are the starting point, they are not enough. Action is what drags them to reality. The results may come slowly. Yet, once we really decide upon our intentions and the action begins, nothing stays the same.

On the other hand, action taken without clear intentions is usually just busy work.

As individuals, we may set our intentions mentally and “just do it.” We get our desired outcomes without spending a lot of time pondering about intentions. When other people are involved, it is not so easy. Even when we think we “all” agree, we usually see some things differently.

During this interim time at Glen Echo Christian Church, the Visioning Committee is charged with leading the congregation in discovering the vision within the hearts of our people in a way that the way forward is clear. Please note: Its task is not to make up a nice vision for the church. Its task is to lead the congregation in discovery.

In September, the Visioning Committee in co-operation with the Elders will be inviting the whole congregation to gather in homes to explore how God is calling us into the future and what we intend to do about that call. That sharing of input by all the people will form the basis for the further work of the Visioning Committee in helping us clarify our vision of the future.

Ultimately, the Committee will have a written report that can be the point of reference for choosing action. More important are the vision and the intentions in the hearts of the people of Glen Echo Christian Church. Please pray for God’s leading as we discover them together.