Insights

When we first moved to Houston, I was overwhelmed about the number of activities and events that took place. There seemed to be something going on all the time.  There were plenty of good things to do, but I was limited by time. The question became how to determine if our family should go to an event. How do you decide between events? Family mission statements can help families live with more intentionality and help determine priorities while deciding which activities are best for the family.

In biblical times, families would set out boundary stones to mark or define a family’s territory.  Mission statements can act as boundary stones for a family’s time. I think the best use of the mission statement is that it gives you permission to say, “no”.  If an activity doesn’t support the family’s mission then the family doesn’t have to do the activity. You can mentally “let go” of the feeling that you should do something and any pressure to participate. If your family mission involves growing closer to God and an activity occurs during church worship times, you say no. It doesn’t support your family’s mission. Just as boundary stones set the margins of a family property, a family mission statement sets the identity of a family and helps the family shape its time and resources.

Proverbs 22:28 warns the generation not to move the boundaries. The land was the promise and the inheritance. It was wrong to move boundary stones that were set. With a mission statement for a family the precious time and resources will not be stolen, but defined. A mission statement allows for a richer life experience because it sets boundaries on what should be included in the schedule and what can be excluded.

Leah Rabb
Elementary Education Principal
Logos Preparatory Academy