I have learned something about myself over the years. I like
change. I like new. I like adventure. I am, in a word creative. Because of this creative nature, I need to set boundaries
for myself in everything I do.
When writing a book, if I do not have the goal of a deadline
or a word count – I’ll never be finished.
When spending time with my kids, if I do not have a plan I
will default to being silly. I need to know what needs to be done, said,
achieved – then I’m good to go.
As a chaplain, I’ve worked at nine schools over the years.
Based on these experiences, I developed an understanding of what values the
role of Chaplaincy required. To help myself remember, I wrote a simple memory
device. It helps me stay within my boundaries each day as I serve my schools.
“Take Time to CARE”
– that’s my chaplaincy mission statement.
Memory Device: “Take time to CARE.”
Compassion – Golden Rule
Attentive – Being heard is the beginning of healing
Reconciliation – Making things right
Empower – A safe place to try
Take Time reminds
me to slow down and observe what is going on around me. Today may have special
needs. The person I am talking to may have something deeper going on.
CARE reminds me to
show: Compassion, Attentiveness,
Reconciliation, Empowerment
Having this memory device helps me do my job. In fact, it
helps me live a better life!
Do you have a mission statement? What are the values you
live by? Remarkably, boundaries created by a clear mission statement become
freeing and empowering in time. They let you know who you are, who you are not,
and give you permission to say no and
encouragement to say yes.
To start, here are a few good questions:
What character traits do I value most in others and want to
see in myself?
When do I best demonstrate these values? When do I not?
What do I need to change to always live this way?
Where do I need to focus my attention?
What words define this journey?
Write a statement.
The next few posts explore my mission statement. Perhaps it will help you develop yours!
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