Values and Goals

As I think about making simple goals for 2010, I realize that my goals must spring from my values. To come up with goals that really don't fall in line with what my heart believes is most important is a waste of time. How often do we fill up our calendars and time with events or activities that really don't align with our truest desires? So I think the most important thing for us to do to keep our lives simple is to figure out what our personal values are. Each one of us will have values unique to our own personality, marriage and family.

So what do you value?

A couple of years ago I spent about 30 minutes writing down things that I value. I was walking through a season of confusion in regards to my personal vision and what God was calling me towards. Clarifying my values helped me tremendously in organizing/prioritizing my time, my relationships, and my activities. And then making the choice to live by those values simplified my life.

What are my values?

Communion with Jesus/Incarnational living
Community with others (husband and children first and foremost)
Homemaking
Hospitality
Simplicity
Creativity
Beauty
Music
Reflection
Writing
Real-life learning
Good eating
Order
Routines
Volunteering/service
Nature
Reading/research
Travel
Supporting local, handmade, and used
Green living

I look to this list and ask myself, "How do I want to grow in some of these areas this year?" Not all of the areas. Goal-setting isn't meant to overwhelm but to give focus.

I want to get into the routine of getting up earlier in the mornings for communion with Jesus and with Mike. Just that one simple choice helps me to live out several of my values.

I want to begin having mothers come over on two Friday mornings a month for muffins and coffee and conversation. Another simple choice that falls in line with many of my values.

We are visiting a local children's home one day a month to love and serve young girls.

We are planning on going to visit Mount Rushmore this summer.

Go to the weekly local Farmer's Market.

Support local parks, festivals, music, museums, libraries, and other community enriching events.

I will continue with my monthly Book Club and invite other women to join.

My sister and I are going to sew together one Saturday morning a month. We plan to come with our materials cut and ready with the goal of completing the project before we leave.

Make a continual stash of handmade items to have on hand to give away.

Have each family in our small group over to eat dinner in order to get to know them better.

I want to turn on music instead of the TV. Read a book instead surf the Web. Take a nature walk instead of shop. Not every single time, because TV, the Web, and shopping aren't bad...they just don't fall into my higher values.

The point is to arrange our daily lives around our values. To make small choices every day that bring us closer to our ideals. When opportunities come across my path, I very quickly ask myself if those things fall in line with my values. Living according to your values keeps you focused on the path God has for you and from wasting time and energy on activities you don't need to be in. At the end of every year I evaluate and pray to make sure my values are still what God is calling me to or if they need to change or evolve. Being dependent on the Holy Spirit is so key...we don't cling to values, we cling to Jesus and His leading.

Here's to a 2010 lived intentionally by our values and simply through our goals...with all glory and honor and love to Jesus.


photo by brendanwestbury