Everyone
has values, or a list of qualities that they want to embody in their everyday
lives. Some of the most common ones are integrity, intelligence, compassion,
love, success, etc. As we have recently discussed in my Colloquium class, even
though one person can associate many different values with their person, an
individual usually has about two or three that they put above all of the
others.
At
the beginning of class, we were asked to name as many values as we could, and
as a class, we compiled a list of approximately 32 values, including the ones
listed above. We then had to pick 8 of those that we felt best described what
we strive for. That list was then narrowed down to 4, and eventually to 2,
which we called our core values. At first, this exercise was extremely hard,
trying to decide which ones we were going to X out. It was difficult until I
realized that all of my main, core values could be encompassed by one.
Above
everything else, is the value I put in my faith and my ever strengthening
relationship with God. All of the others that I was so stressed about having to
cross out, either seem so small next to my faith, or are values that, I
personally feel, play hand in hand with my faith. For example, the other core
value I chose was happiness/purpose. The only way that I can receive true
happiness is knowing that everything happens for a reason, and that I am part
of something so much bigger than myself. No matter what I am going through,
good or bad, I know that I am loved by God. He is so much bigger than I, or
anyone else, could ever fathom and the idea that He knows me and has created me
for a specific purpose, makes everything else seem trivial. My life means
something, and happiness doesn’t even begin to describe the excitement I feel
to be part of His plan.
I also felt that love (in every aspect: relationships, family, etc.) could also be
included in my faith. I am able to love others because I have accepted the love
that God has given me. Because of Him, and because of who I am in Him, I want
to show others his unconditional love. I want to always see the best in others,
even when it is hard to find, and I want to be able to connect with people and
forge relationships with others where I can share my faith and open their eyes
to my world in Christ.
With this
in mind, our professor asked us to write a personal mission statement using the
core values that we selected. The mission statement that I have written for
myself is as follows:
“My
mission is to live a happy, purposeful life that is based on enduring faith,
where I show kindness and love to those around me and glorify God with every
aspect of my being.”
All in
all, I feel that the value I put in my faith is the most important part of me.
I want to be a symbol for God every day, and I want to have the courage to
share my love for Him with others. I want to put my full trust in Him and know
that wherever He decides to lead me is good. I want others to see the many
miracles that happen every day. I want others to experience the same peace and
comfort that I do, knowing that no matter what, God is with me. As one if my
favorite quotes says, I want to embody the idea that “my life as a Christian
should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.”
