As I mentioned on the blog before, I periodically implement electronics-free weeks for the kids. Essentially, these are media fasts, of sorts, which usually last anywhere from a few days to a full week.
During these designated periods, the Hobbs children are allowed to read books, write, play with toys, enjoy the outdoors, be creative, and pretty much do anything else they typically do.
They just have to put the tech toys away for a short time.
I do this to avoid an unhealthy dependence on technology for recreational purposes. I don’t want them to be so engrossed in video games and frivolities that they don’t exercise their minds. Children's imaginations are so vivid, but are too often dulled by mindless entertainment.
So last Friday, I notified the children that the following week would be electronics free. Each of them said okay without skipping a beat. Anyway, they were pretty wrapped up in reading their new library books—one of their favorite pastimes.
Well, fast forward to early Sunday evening.
My husband Kenya said, “Honey, Kaleb is playing a computer game and you said they weren’t supposed to be doing that this week.”
I covered my mouth and stretched my eyes widely, then replied, “I did say that, didn’t I? Did you tell him to stop playing?”
Kenya shrugged and shook his head. “No, he told me ‘Mommy said I could play,’ so I left him alone.”
I started laughing at myself and so did Kenya.
“You are the worst!” he said, still chuckling.
“That’s a mess when I can’t even remember what I said,” I agreed with Kenya. “That really is the worst!”
After hubby jolted my memory, I reinstated the original rules and have not forgotten again, yet. Pray for my mind, though. I have the entire week left! :-)
In life, we often make spur-of-the-moment commitments, vows and declarations. But then, over time, we tend to forget and abandon our original intentions.
We all do it.
Each of us can look back at life’s junctures and see times when we didn’t follow through. As a result, nothing was accomplished, even though we meant well from the beginning.
I believe intention and inaction are close cousins.
Together, they breed no change, just optimism and good ideas.
But when we act on our intentions by taking actionable steps, that’s when we move forward and make progress.
Even if we aren’t comfortable taking gigantic steps, we have to be willing to do something once God places a vision in our hearts.
Doing something is better than nothing, because believing for the future without working toward future goals is futile.
To remind you of this, I’m stirring James 2:15-17 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that words and thoughts, if not followed by corresponding action, have no power. Embracing this truth will help you believe God for the best, while putting your best foot forward in the process.
When you support your faith with your efforts, then and only then will you see positive changes begin to manifest in your life.
Keep believing, but by all means, back it up with action.
Now let’s pray.
God, I have good ideas and great intentions, but I don’t always turn what is in my head and heart into action. I know that You have already empowered me to fulfill my destiny. So please help me not to undermine my commitments, goals, and promises by failing to back them up with any followup effort. Today, I cast off apathy and use the authority You have given me to maximize my potential. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
