The Miser Family Purpose Statement.

I feel like I'm not an incredibly intentional person.  I don't have a weekly schedule of what chores need to get done on what day.  I don't do meal plans (do my detriment). Scotty and I don't have a set date night. I often fail to call people I know are expecting a call or would really appreciate one.  There are various things that go into all of that, but I am constantly wanting to be a more orderly, somewhat driven person.  I do love order.  I love knowing what to expect.  I want to know what comes next.  As my life gets more full with kids, responsibilities and more relationships, I am beginning to feel that longing, that urgency, to think through what my life should look like, what's important, how I should really spend my time.  I love the idea of simplicity, of not rushing around from one thing to the next and constantly feeling overwhelmed- as can happen when there are a lot of people with a lot of agendas.  So, a few years ago, Scotty and I read through most of a book called Organized Simplicty by Tsh Oxenreider.  In one chapter, she leads you through the steps of formulating a family purpose statement.  It's to be not too specific, not too general, timeless, simple.  Easy, right?  Scotty and I talked through all of this a year or so ago when we were on home assignment.  But, I lost the scrap of paper I had written all our ideas down on (see! I'm a mess).  So, with the turn of a new year, we wanted to revisit the purpose statement.  We got a babysitter, drove to a local Italian restaurant, and talked through all sorts of things regarding who we are as a family, what is important to us, how we are unique, what our strengths and weaknesses are.  We have struggled in the past to not feel guilty and inadequate because of the fact that we seem to move slower and take on less responsibilities than some around us.  I think we've always seen it as a character flaw (and it sometimes can be when it's associated with running away from hard things or not caring enough about others).  However, one thing that stood out to me tonight was how much Scotty and I are intrinsically designed to LOVE a relaxed pace, interacting with people in a leisurely way, doing low-key activities together as a family and generally keepin' it chill.  Like I said, it can have a down side, but it was helpful to me to see that this is a value for us and it's part of how God has made us and (hopefully) how He uses us to enjoy each other, bless others and take time to appreciate the life He's given us in all its glory, fun and beauty.

So, we have a purpose statement now. It's a little rough and we might tweak it as time goes on.  But, it feels good.  It feels intentional.