Purpose

    While reading Organized Simplicity, I was challenged to come up with a Purpose Statement for our family. It was to be something that simply described our purpose in a way that would apply equally at any time and place, whether we're here or there, with small kids or big kids. Part of the reason that author Tsh Oxenreider invites readers to do this is that it serves as a filter, something by which we can measure our choices. Does doing this activity, or making this purchase, or spending this time bring us closer to living in harmony with our purpose?

    Erik and I gave it some thought, and here's what we came up with:

• To be illumined by, and shine forth, the love, joy, and peace of Christ, intertwining our life in the life of the Church.
• To nourish both body and spirit, and allow time and space for learning, discovery, and creativity.
• To enjoy being together, as well as doing together, while blessing others with our time and resources.

    I found this exercise  to be helpful in defining what we really want the essence of our life to be. It's proved useful as I've been sorting through bookshelves and closets and boxes, making decisions about what stays and what goes. And, as our ideas come together for future plans, it's nice to keep this at the forefront of our minds, to picture how this could look in different places and situations. 

    If you've ever put your family purpose into words, please feel free to share! And if you haven't, I'd encourage you to do so! 

    In other, completely unrelated news, my dear friend Rae, has just published her first novel. It's available today, and you can read the exciting details on her blog, Journeymama.com. I traveled in India, Nepal, and Thailand with Rae and her husband ten years ago. They now have four kids and still call those countries home. She is a great writer and I'm so excited for her. Please take a moment to go congratulate her, and order a copy of her book!