Dallas Willard’s famous acronym for the general pattern of personal transformation is VIM: Vision, Intension, Means. 

Vision and means are easy to explain — a picture of what life can be like and the steps by which one moves toward that life.

Intention can be trickier to communicate. The phrase ​“good intentions” can even have a negative connotation. We all know which road is paved with those.

But what if the road to life is paved with good intentions? Robust, grace-filled, firmly-rooted-in-Jesus intentions.

Intention is the vital link between vision and means. One can imagine the benefits of playing violin and have the money, time, and resources with which to learn it. But unless a choice is made to move forward, nothing happens. No one drifts their way into playing Bach. 

“We do not take the spiritual life seriously,” writes Henri Nouwen, ​“if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to him.” He goes on:

“We may have to write it in black and white in our daily calendar so that nobody else can take away this period of time. Then we will be able to say to our friends, neighbors, students, customers, clients, or patients, ​‘I’m sorry, but I’ve already made an appointment at that time and it can’t be changed.’”

Intention in the spiritual life can be a gritted-teeth affair. What prevents this is a clear vision that life with God — every moment of life — is better than life without God. I’m pausing now to compare the days I’ve forgotten God and the days I’ve started and stayed with God. The latter is the life I want. 

Resolutions get broken quickly, it’s true. But we can intend to seek renewal in Jesus and take a simple, tangible step toward it today — like calling a local retreat center and booking a day to rest and pray.

May your year be filled with God intentions,