Which spirit motivates me? Which spirit motivates you? I hope that the Spirit of God leads, motivates, and shapes my words and actions. I intend that sort of direction. Upon reflection, however, I've come to recognize multiple motives for what I've done or said in the past. Will it be different in the future? Recently, this sort of quandary has led me to reflect on the difference between intention and action. This is a somewhat related, but definitely connected sidebar. For the most part, I know what I intend to do. I intend to:
I'm sure you all have your list of intentions, of things to do or ways of doing things to put into practice. So, how does it all work for you? Always on task? Always following through? I'll bet we're on the same page. What this leads me to (intend to) do, is set a goal for closing the gap between intention and action in my life. I (intend to) do what I say I will do first by keeping track of my intentions, my statements of intention or promises. Next, I make a list and, like Santa, check it twice. I'm a list-maker, OK? It helps. Then, as part of my Examen, I look at my follow through. And, I catch glimpses of the motives that drive me to renege on my intentions. That's where I (intend to) learn about the spirits that motivate me and seek purification. What will you (intend to) do? |