How was your Christmas? We have 20 family members in the house. It is both fun and chaotic. You wake up and there are people already making coffee, cleaning last night's dishes and cracking jokes.

Because it's vacation and because there are so many people, randomness becomes the rule of the day. It can lead to a hectic atmosphere.

Let me suggest an alternative: Be intentional today. If you are around family and friends, why not seek one out and ask him or her to go for a walk? 

I just made a point of sitting down with my precocious two year-old grandson and having a cup of hot chocolate and a conversation. Before taking a sip, I'd clink mugs with him and say "cheers!" Then we talked about what was on his mind.

Earlier I grabbed my brother-in-law Bruce and walked through our neighborhood. We talked about the relationships that are hard in his life.

We don't know how long on this earth we have. Psalm 103:15 says, "As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer." 

All we have is today. Why not seize it - spend time with those who matter most to you. Hectic is normal. Intentionality requires effort.

Why not proclaim this "Intentionality Day"? Take a quick inventory. Who could you pull aside and talk to? What part of their life could you ask them about? Grab them before the day gets away from you and ask them about their life.

Some questions to ask

What was one of your best days in the past year?

What have you done recently that you're most proud of?

When in the last month have you felt most alive?

Do you have any regrets that keep you from living fully alive?

Who encourages you the most? How do they do it?

What challenges do you face that are hard?

What dreams do you have that inspire you?

What pain or shame do you carry with you?