A Family Mission Statement

We just got back from a great 3 day weekend at Family Camp. Family Camp is hosted by our church every year to help re-focus, re-engage, and have fun with your family. We took a short drive to north GA and stayed at Sharp Top Cove, a YoungLife camp.

Throughout the weekend we had "free time" and boy was it awesome-zip line, giant swing, pool, game room, and the blob. Every meal was family style and followed by dessert. We also had set times called "club" we used these times to gather for skits, worship, and teaching. Our focus this weekend was based in Colossians 3:12-15. One particular teaching, we were asked to talk with our family about what our mission statement would be. The speaker encouraged us as parents to see the benefit of establishing some core values within our home as a family. In his experience he found that the kids needed an opportunity to speak to their parents when they felt like their parents were acting in unkind ways and the kids needed a set of values that they could be reminded of when they were acting out of line. Over the years and especially with Pinterest I see cute family boards all of the time. I have wanted to do it, but it was more trendy than for establishing principle within our home. After sitting around and hearing our kids come up with some good ideas of what they want our family to be, I am excited to start implementing them into our day to day life. Choosing to think about them before making commitments, and using them as a filter when we interact with others.

This is what we have so far;

                              Value one another-allow them to be who they are

                              Adventurous, fun and loving

                              Work together 

                               In the way that we live, may our lives cause those who see us, want to know more                                             about God

At breakfast this morning, Evan wanted to eat with his friend. His little brother sat right next to him and wanted to share in the fun. Evan was not kind and in a very mean voice said go away, I don't want you here next to me. Before I gave him a consequence or got upset, I asked him what some of our mission statement was. There was a brief pause and then a solemn look came over him and he said "to value one another." I still made him come sit with me for a few minutes, but when he returned he apologized and they enjoyed their breakfast. I am pretty pumped at how this has already effected out interactions.

What would you want others to see in how you and your family interact?