Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Life's Mission

While composing notes of thanks to the many friends and family of my Momma and Daddy, I found my Mom's written out mission statement.  

"My Mission:  To live my life with meaning for me so that I can say: 
               I enjoyed the journey, 
                       took care of my physical needs,
                                was open to growth and change, 
                                                                   did my job well,
                                       was supportive and loving to my family and friends,
                                           made a difference to others , 
                                                     made contributions to community and family,
                                                         created an atmosphere of hospitality at home.  

To Fulfill mission, I will:
                                         Be a loving and supportive wife
                                          Contribute to hospitable atmosphere at home
                                          Seek opportunities for physical fitness and mental growth
                                           Work on doing my job more effectively
                                            Fulfill community/church obligations as appropriate
                                            Encourage spouse/children, family and optimally build relationships
                                            Build relationships with friends and collegues

Priority Roles:  
                       Wife- actively build relationship
                        Mother-  Support growth, be friend and enjoy
                        Community/Church/Friend- to do duties and fulfill obligations as an active participant
                        Facilitator child care:  Build meaningful relationships
                         Intersession coordinator
                         Extended family member"



This must have been written longer than 12 years ago based on her stated roles.  What encourages me about this is that my Momma lived her life with intention.  She was listening for the call of God in her life and shaped her goals around the call as wife, mother, and member of the community.  She used her mission and thought of ways to fulfill the mission while also considering her main roles she served.

In her plan, her actions were that of service as a wife, mother, church member, educator, friend, and member of the community.  She was a wife of forty-eight years, a mother whose children grew up to love God and we called her a best friend in our adult lives.  She was a joyful servant in her church.  She was a valued educator who many friends from the school board came by to pay their respects.  Based on the support and visits she received on her last days, she definitely made an impact on her community.  It was a quiet but moving impact that encouraged others to be the best they can be. 

She fulfilled her mission.  Each day as we miss her, but yet get up and get on with living, I know she would be pleased, as she would want us too, to be intentional in our lives.  I am encouraged and also challenged to make a life mission statement.  

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Since we stand before so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, with our eyes set on Jesus who initiated our faith and will bring it to perfection."

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