I don't usually set goals for the year. Instead, I choose one word to be my theme for the year. One word that sums up who I want to be and how I want to live in the upcoming year.
There was a list of words I was considering. Adventure, creativity, dream, and joy were top contenders. As I was meditating on this, I realized they all had one thing in common. I had to take purposeful action for them to happen. So instead of choosing only one of them, I decided to intentionally experience them all! So, Intentional became my One Word for 2023.
As I eagerly started working in My One Word journal, my Word took on a new twist. It became more about God's intentions for me and less about my intentions. As I continued to meditate on this, I heard, "find the sweet spot".
The Sweet Spot
What is the Sweet Spot?, I asked. What I heard surprised me!
"The sweet spot is where my (God's) intentions overlap with your intentions and actions. That is where the magic happens."
Okay…magic is not something I associate with God. So I looked up magic in the dictionary, and what do you know, the second definition is something I would associate with God!
From Merriam-Webster Dictionary/magic
I especially loved the quote used by J.E.P. Grigg. As children of God, we are royalty, and all mystery, magic, and romance belong to us through Jesus!
Mystery!
Jesus answered, "Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. Matt. 13:11 Gods Word Translation
Royalty and Romance!
But you are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Legacy Standard Bible
Magic!
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 New Living Translation
How it works
The sweet spot is a situation or a combination of things that is the best or most effective. It is a point or a particular set of conditions that will achieve the most desirable outcome. For example, the sweet spot on a bat is the ideal place to hit the ball. On a surfboard, it is the one spot in which the surfer has to put their legs on for the best control and manipulation. One phycologist compares it to Goldilocks finding the perfect porridge, not too hot or too cold, but just right. It is you working with God for the best possible outcome in any situation. As Hannibal Smith from the old TV show the A-Team would say, "I love it when a plan comes together." That's the sweet spot.
Intentional Sweet Spot Diagram
You have probably seen diagrams that show where the sweet spot is. For an entrepreneur, the outside circles represent what you like to do, what you are good at, and what people will pay for. The sweet spot is where they overlap in the middle.
The first circle is God's intentions, the second is our intentions, and the third is actions. Prayer is where God's intentions and our intentions overlap. By reading the Word and praying, our intentions become the same as His. Where God's intentions and Actions come together, we see the supernatural. When our intentions connect with our actions, we have purposeful living. And it is all held together with love.
Where all of these come together to overlap is the sweet spot. It's a magical place where all of our intentional actions are aided by the supernatural. The sweet spot is if God is for you, who can stand against you. In the sweet spot, all things are possible.
So this year, I have a goal and my One Word. My goal is to live in the Sweet Spot. It is there adventure resides, creativity thrives, dreams are dreamt, and joy overflows. The last couple of years have felt a little like the Doris Day song, Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be. This year I will intentionally seek out the sweet spot and live in it!
What has the Lord shown you about your 2023 year?
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