From the first episode, we were hooked. The intelligent and creative team of brothers grabbed us and snagged us immediately. Their cute story lines and addicting music were a breath of fresh air. The words ~ “Why, hello. I’m Phineas and this is my brother, Ferb.” ~ soon became a part of our everyday lives.
If you’re unfamiliar with the cartoon, super smart brothers, one talkative, the other not, love their summers. Their inventive spirits won’t allow them to just sit around, wasting the day. Instead, they come up with amazing ideas to make each summer day a great adventure. Each eventful day begins with “Hey, Ferb! I know what we’re going to do today.”
That’s when the fun begins.
Here are a few lessons I learned from Phineas and Ferb which are helping me live more INTENTIONALly…
{1} They INTENTIONALly seek…
The brothers welcome each day, intentionally looking to create something fun to do. They embrace the newness and potential of the day, making the most of it.
Each day is a precious gift, one we are not promised, but one that is appreciated. We must unwrap the gift given, beginning our day by intentionally seeking him. We may just hear him say, “Hey, child, I know what you’re going to do today…”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
{2} They INTENTIONALly include their friends…
Phineas and Ferb imagine, create and build fun, exciting experiences. Along the way, they reach out including their friends in the mix. They share their ideas, involve them in the building process and make sure everyone has a chance to take part in the fun.
Likewise, we have friends who are looking for something each day. They wake lost, hopeless, aimless, looking for anything to do to lift them out of where they are. Thankfully, through HIM, we have just the right answer.
“And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’” ~ Luke 14:23 (ESV)
Why? Because…
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” ~ Luke 19:10 (NASB)
{3} They INTENTIONALly have fun…
Each episode is filled with smiles and laughter. Yes, it’s a cartoon, but the fun they experience translates so well. The viewer has fun while watching them.
I guarantee if the brothers moped and cried every episode or the cartoon colors were drab and monotone, a fun experience would be less likely. How is it then, when we carry a downcast countenance, we’re surprised when others are not drawn to us?
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” ~ Psalm 43:5 (NIV)
We have the answer of all answers living inside us. We serve the Creator of heaven and earth who transforms lives in an instant. Let’s allow HIM to translate through us. No, everyday isn’t a “mountain top moment”, but each day is filled with moments when a smile, kind word or friendly look can be the beginning of a conversation about him. It tells others that regardless of where we are, we are still his and that’s what matters.
“The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” ~ Exodus 15:2 (NKJV)
Linking with Word-Filled Wednesday, Living-Well Wednesdays and Walk With Him Wednesdays
