intentionality

i read a small tidbit online today and it sparked a thought and a reflection into my life. this little tidbit had something to do with the title of this post. the thought that came after reading this literally was, "what am i doing to purposely grow in my relationship with GOD." i quickly realized that there's a disturbing answer to my question. i thought about on a daily basis, a weekly basis, a monthly basis, and etc. i continued to be disappointed with my answers. my natural reaction is to be defensive (even though the criticisms are coming from my own thoughts). excuses are a part of my life, but avoiding them here is necessary for the kind of reflection that i need. i know what i would like to come from all of this. the next step and the next step have to be intentional. my relationship has to be intentional. that's true even with friends and family members. a friendship is not going to last if there is not an intentional effort from both parties. i have many friends from college and high school that i have to intentionally stay in contact with because it's not part of my everyday routine. we no longer live in the same city, which makes it more difficult and is an easy excuse to use. so how does that fit with my relationship with GOD? if i don't take intentional steps to stay in contact, how is that relationship going to last?

i know there are some things that need to change. i know there are some things that i need to intentionally start doing because my relationship with GOD has suffered.