Amber Haines said, “We will always be walking toward the place we set our eyes.”

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I have a writing purpose statement: With writing, I (hope to) inspire others to a strong faith and deep joy in God by connecting Biblical wisdom, authentic life stories, and practical encouragement in a compelling and creative way.

We have family values: generosity, wisdom and simplicity. (I’ve added adventurous and joyful since Anna joined us.)

I have a social media vision statement: To the extent that it doesn’t hinder my relationship with God or until He leads me elsewhere, I will be active on social media to build others up, share life happenings for the fun and solidarity of it, and testify to the grace of having Christ yet wanting more of Him.

John and I spent a few weeks this fall thinking and praying and decided on personal mission statements for ourselves. Mine is cultivating life with God and inviting others into it. When these words finally landed together, I actually laughed from the settledness I felt. It felt like ME, haha, and it felt as if God was smiling too.

When I told my friend Maggie about it, she used the word ‘anchor’ to describe how a mission statement could be valuable, and I 100% agree. A few years ago, I created a rule of life. While it was/can be helpful and inspiring, it is more challenging to keep in front of me because it has a LOT of words. The above statement I have thought about every few hours since writing it.

As a family and as a woman, I have found great freedom, purpose and clarity in having a mission statement. It’s not the Holy Spirit or the Bible, and it isn’t perfect, but it can give direction, vision and inspiration. It can be a filter when choosing between multiple options. It can be a path to walk, a boundary line for realigning my priorities and a steadying hand when I feel like I’m drifting. It grounds me when insecurity and comparison tempt me. And it might do for you what it has especially done for me, which is provide a real delight in making decisions that expand my capacity for how God has crafted and called ME to live this life and be part of His Kingdom.

Jesus was asked a question: “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” His answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34-46)

How do we live a life that is steadily growing deep and wide with love for God and for others? This is what a mission statement can help with.

Where to start?

Sit with these questions:

• What do you want to do to help others?
• What do you bring to the group? (Strengths, weaknesses)
• What fires you up? (Passions, causes, lifestyles, etc)
• What do you enjoy reading about or studying?
• What inspires you?
• What comes naturally to you?
• What recharges you? What depletes you?
• What are others seeing in your life?
• What do you need to learn?
• What fruit is your life producing? (Consider asking trusted family or friends)
• What do you wish you had more time for?

Think about a Bible verse or truth that has long been a favorite or you feel always challenges and encourages you.

We want to treasure and obey and be instructed by all Scripture, but there are passages for particular seasons of life that inspire deeper intimacy and call us to higher purposes, right? Allow yourself time to meditate on God’s words to you and let them ignite a fresh fire in your soul.

For me, a verse that has long been both a home and a launching pad is Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” I want this sentence to be so true of me that it shapes my daily choices and continually breathes fresh air into my hobbies, passions and friendships.

Ask God to connect dots for you. I had an entire journal page of words and thoughts I felt made up ME, me with people and me with God, and then I sat with that page for a few days, in prayer. Is there an attribute of Jesus you connect with the most? Maybe it’s His generosity that stirs you to prioritize hospitality and support of friends. Maybe it’s His joy that prompts you to cheer up the hurting and find light in any grey season. Maybe it’s His compassion that causes you to listen well and love to help people. Maybe it’s His nature that makes you want to learn all you can and lead others in that knowledge of God.

Spend yourself in hope and obedience and love and faithfulness WITH GOD for this season for the people in your life. May it bring ‘His Kingdom come and His will be done’ into our daily moments.