Several years ago (in 2004 to be exact) I participated in a 6-week class at my church called You Can Make a Difference.  It was designed to help people determine their gifts and strengths/weaknesses, their personality type, and ultimately identify their passions.  The class culminated in the writing of a personal mission statement.

I found the class very enlightening and inspiring – so much so that for several years thereafter, I facilitated the Passion session of the course.  And, I do say I “facilitated” the class as opposed to “taught” the class as in reality, I probably learned more from interacting with the class participants, than they learned from me!

Every now and then, I look at the mission statement I wrote for myself at the end of that course.  Amazingly, it still feels valid to me today, many years later.  I know that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.  Companies and organizations do change their mission statements as circumstances change; likewise, a personal mission statement can be always evolving.

I’m wondering if you have written your own mission statement and if so, what your thoughts are on the process?

If you haven’t written one, it is an interesting exercise you might want to try.  I would guess most of you reading this have lived long enough to figure out what you’re good at (or not), what you believe in, are passionate about, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, and what roles you play in life (spouse, parent, grandparent, employee, volunteer, etc.)…all things you might consider and incorporate in your mission statement.

From the You Can Make a Difference curriculum, a mission statement:

• Is a blueprint for your life
• Is a compass that provides direction when making decisions
• Is a motto stating what your life is about

Here is my mission statement as an example –

My mission is -

To show love, understanding and respect to all people with whom I interact so as to create and encourage harmony.

To respect, value and care for my own emotional and physical being so as to continue to be a contributing, valuable member of all groups with which I associate.

To be respectful of nature and to always find ways to enjoy it.

To complete any work I endeavor to do in an organized fashion with accuracy and efficiency.

To do all of the above so that my light will shine before others, so they may see my good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.

A mission statement can help to keep you grounded and serve as a beacon when you may be floundering.  I encourage you to write one if you haven’t already.  It would be great fun if you felt like sharing it …use the opportunity for comments below.  Other people’s missions statements can be inspirational!

Thursday mornings at 8:30 am finds me gathering with 3 to 5 other women, depending on who shows up, spending a half-hour in contemplative prayer.  Our two inspiring leaders, Gail and Kathy, always provide us with a theme for the day along with applicable Bible verses and other quotes.  Today’s theme was fitness – taking care of our bodies…a topic near and dear to my heart, and on which you will hear me harp frequently.

In one of my posts nearly a year ago (see: Taking Care of My Vessel), I wrote about the idea of our body being the vessel that carries us through life, so we need to take good care of it.  One of our Biblical references this morning was from 1 Corinthians 3.  Paraphrasing – each of us is a temple housing God’s spirit; God’s temple is sacred – so, in essence, our body is sacred!  What better reason do we need to handle it with care?

My suggestions for taking care of our body both physically and mentally are listed below.  (This is the repeating part – I know I am reiterating here, but I feel it is a worthy endeavor.)

• Eat lots of vegetables, a few less fruits; and, don’t forget to include protein and a good fat with each meal and snack.
• Drink lots of water each day.
• Get a good night’s rest – 7-8 hours of good sleep.
• Exercise regularly.  Include enjoying the outdoors as often as possible – walk, golf, ski, garden, jog, bike, play ball with your kids or grandkids, etc.
• Pray, meditate, sit in silence (no technology/social media!) for several minutes or longer each day.
• Keep a mental or written gratitude journal and add to it each day.
• Spend time regularly interacting with other individuals – family, friends, co-workers, community.  Studies have shown that for a variety of reasons, maintaining friendships can increase longevity!
• No texting or sending/reading emails while driving!  In fact, how about NOT using cell phones at all while driving!?!
• Relax!

Cassie sits on my lap as I write this.  We should all take a lesson from her in how to relax!

Take good care of yourself!

Your body is sacred.