5 Tips for InTENTional Living
By Karen Moniz
Growing up, my younger brother, sister, and I made the coolest living room tents. Couch cushions, pillows, blankets, heavy books, the coffee table, and every chair we could take by eminent domain were brought for the building of these subcommunities. As the oldest city planner, I calculated the most efficient placement of the tallest pieces of furniture for maximum living space. We brought in amenities such as snacks, flashlights, and books, and we visited each other’s caves by wriggling our little bodies forward on the carpet like worms with elbows. The quality of life in these spacious tent cities was ranked very high, often attracting three of our friends from the apartment across the hall to commune with us. Playtime under the tents could last hours. Inevitably, growing up caused the older tent townies to move out, leaving behind the little kids to play make-believe.
My indoor tentmaking skills have come in handy over the years as a babysitter, a mom, and a daycare provider, and now as Nana of a 3- and 6-year-old. (Although crouching and wriggling are not my specialties anymore!) It fills my heart to watch a little person first timidly burrow under the draped fabric and then gaze in wonder at the miniature world around them.
The word tent is mentioned 474 times throughout the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Paul, a tentmaker by trade, uses the tent metaphor to contrast the Christian’s “collapsible” earthly body with their sturdy eternal dwelling: For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Paul acknowledged that the tension of being “in the world but not of it” will cause believers to “groan and (feel) burdened,” but he reminds us that each of our lives has been “fashioned” for a unique heavenly purpose. Consider the following tips to keep your tent available for His glory and your good.
1. Consult the Master tentmaker – Proverbs 16:3. Pray for a submissive attitude to live by His design. Trust the Lord as he arranges your tent’s supporting furniture in “pleasant places.” (Psalm 16)
2. Believe that your tent is one-of-a-kind – Ephesians 2:10 and Hebrews 13:21 say that your tent is a unique “workmanship.” You’ve been created with gifts and abilities, and the Holy Spirit can put your life experiences to good use.
3. Guard the door of your tent – 1 Peter 5:8 warns that the devil crawls stealthily like a crouching lion. Beware of temptation and never underestimate the sin of overcommitment.
4. Know when it’s time to add more pillows – Exodus 18:13-27. Jethro saw the mounting stress in his son-in-law Moses and wisely advised him to delegate responsibilities. If the crouching and wriggling of everyday tent life is wearing you out, consider taking a “Selah,” meaning stop, take a step back, and reflect.
5. Don’t discount a sagging tent – Isaiah 46:4 is a pep talk from God to those in the golden years of life. “Even to your old age and gray hairs … I will sustain you … I will carry you.” Although your tent may be draped with a vintage quilt or threadbare blankets, you’ve got valuable lessons to share.
In hindsight, thank God for those he has brought to your tent. Look forward to “the plans He has for you,” and rededicate your “wonderfully made” tent for His purposes.
Karen Moniz is a member of By Design’s Board of Directors. Karen’s childhood included dinnertime Bible quizzes, singing in nursing homes, and street evangelism. At 13, she accepted Christ as Savior. She’s been married to Dave for 30 years, and they have two grown children. To celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Karen entered the Mrs. Essex County Pageant at the Topsfield Fair and won! Karen provides companionship to seniors and leads an evangelistic Bible study in a retirement home for women. Her motto is: Keep God big and keep looking up!