“Intentional” seems to be the buzzword these days. That’s a good thing, I think. I’m not talking about the kind of intentions that pave the road to Hell, but rather the kind that require self-discipline to live out.

I know people who are intentional about buying local, or eating clean, or beginning their days with a 45-minute workout. The productivity experts whose articles always suck me in when I’m on Twitter (it’s those compelling titles) outline all the ways in which one can live intentionally.

Many times, in those articles, one important idea is left out.

Honor and keep holy the Lord’s Day. –the Third Commandment

If you’re going to pick one thing about which to be intentional, this is the thing.

I admit that could do better at this. I try very hard not to shop on Sundays. I don’t have to try too hard to give myself permission not to do laundry or housework on Sundays. Other than cooking and everyday wiping down for sanitary purposes, most things can wait another day.

Today’s a weird Sunday for me; the folk group sang at the 5 PM Mass last night, so I won’t be at church. That always throws me off. To me, it feels like a Saturday, except that there’s a Sunday paper spread all over the dining-room table. No one needs a ride to rehearsal or soccer practice. And I’m resisting temptation to do work-related stuff–I could be really productive right now, since I have the energy and a big chunk of time.

I’ve got no deeds to do, no promises to keep. –Paul Simon, “Feelin’ Groovy”

Instead, I need to give myself permission to fill my day in a different way. I can serve bacon and French Toast to TheKid and his 2 sleepover guests, when they wake up. I can flip through cookbooks to find a new recipe to try. I can write someone a letter. I can call my mom. I can read that newspaper that’s all over the table, before someone spills maple syrup on it. I can pray a little extra.

This morning I read an article in Aleteia about what one busy working woman discovered when she intentionally set Sundays apart. The work will always be there, and if there’s a choice, I encourage you to choose, if you can, to keep your Sundays free from work and shopping and everyday household chores.

I guarantee you won’t miss being among the crowds in the supermarket on a Sunday.

Give yourself and your family the blessing of intentional Sundays. You won’t regret it.