I love stories. I love sharing them. It runs in my family. We have a knack for making the story longer than the actual event. Take a trip to CVS for example. I can make that into a twenty-something minute story. I'll begin by telling you that on the way to CVS I hit the curb again. It happens on that weird curved part of the road on 27th street right as you're passing the Catholic Church going toward 365. I always feel squinched against the car next to me so I've on many occasions just rode the curb so my car can have breathing room. I'd then probably tell you that I have something I've come to call "Car Claustrophobia". See?  Already all the words before I get to CVS and have the problems picking up my prescription that's supposed to be ready.

Today I had the chance to share my story, my life story, the whole thing; very abridged of course. That meant that last night while writing an outline I kept in mind why my story matters.

That's why I impulsively decided to write a short(ish) life mission statement.  I knew that even having purpose in mind during my life story, I would ramble something awful forgetting that my reason in sharing would be to bring glory to God. I wished to make sure that my words rather than being wasted, would serve to share what I've learned from my life so far and the direction I choose to go because if it.

Underneath my sketched-out notes about my path, I wrote my own mission statement; a plan for my life. I wrote out the person who I'd like to be. And it was incredibly helpful. I hurled my words and wishes like darts and somehow a target formed; a life to shoot for.

At the risk of sounding hokey, I'm suggesting you write one too.

Here's how.......unofficially:

1. Think about what it is that's important to you. What's your mission? Being that I want to live a life pleasing to God, I thought about what things specifically are ingredients in living a fruitful Christian life.

2. Identify which of those characteristics you really stink at. And then write about doing the opposite. One of my failings? It's filling up my schedule before the day begins and then moving about whirl-windishly like Taz in that episode where he wore lipstick.  I end up cranky and anxious; void of life to share with my husband and my kids. Even worse I'm left without energy to spend the time I should in prayer and study. I wake up consumed by the day instead of by God.....So I stink at putting first things first. THAT is addressed in my mission statement.

3. Go to an expert for assistance in formulating your personal goal. Being that I am striving to live a Christian life, I used parts of scripture.

4. Pen your plan. The words don't have to be fancy or even understood by anybody else who might read them. This is your locker room speech to yourself. Say what needs to be said.

5. Read it every day. Pray it every day. Give it to your spouse or a friend and have them pray for those things specifically for your life.

I've included mine here.

My Life Mission Statement:

I commit to grow in my relationship with Christ by studying his word and will look to life with a ceaseless awareness of His presence. I'll not take grace for granted. I'll look for evidence of God and His goodness in leaves on a sidewalk, in the checkout line at the supermarket and in times of loss. I'll choose to talk to Him about everything and will make room for listening for His voice. 

I'll cherish the gift God has given me in my husband.  I'll extravagantly love him and my kids -protecting our time together, giving them the best of me. I'll aim to "bring them good, not harm all the days of my life". 

I'll open my arms to those outside my front door. I won't be anxious as to how my love will be received. I won't be set back when my love doesn't bring about the change I desire to see. I'll remember that His ways are higher than my ways. 

 As I, and those I love encounter difficulties I'll be mindful that "God works for the good of those who love him and have their purpose in Him".  I'll make God the focus of my trust, the reason for my hope and the object of my love. 

 

If you write one, I'd love it if you'd share.  

Send it to me. 

Here's my email. kristiburden@gmail.com

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