| Do you know why your family is here? How do | | | | statement in place, those decisions become much |
| you want your family to be remembered? Do | | | | simpler. If the activity furthers the family's vision |
| you want to look back when your kids are grown | | | | and there is time in the schedule, by all means go |
| and think, "Thank God we survived!" or do you | | | | for it. But if the activity, no matter how |
| want to look back and think, "Thank God we | | | | wonderful it sounds, does not fit on the path your |
| made a difference!" The members of a family | | | | family has chosen, then just say no. Soon, you will |
| cannot thrive without a clear direction and | | | | find that your schedule is filled with opportunities |
| purpose. You may have heard the phrase "If you | | | | that bring you delight instead of obligations that |
| don't know where you're going, any road will get | | | | you dread fulfilling. |
| you there." If you don't like the idea of your kids | | | | No other family is just like yours, so no other |
| following just any road, then know where you are | | | | vision statement will look just like yours. Your |
| going as a family. A family vision statement | | | | family may spend hours engaged in community |
| provides unity and clarity in a fractured world that | | | | service or you may prefer the simplicity of having |
| is often seen in shades of gray. The simple act of | | | | someone over for dinner. You may love sports or |
| sitting down together to talk about your vision | | | | your idea of healthy competition may mean |
| can bring a family closer. Family members feel | | | | fighting to be the first in line to buy a copy of the |
| respected and heard, and find a sense of purpose | | | | newest bestseller. If you are not sure what your |
| in being part of something bigger than themselves. | | | | family members value, ask them. Make a list of |
| There are so many good activities competing for | | | | what everyone says and look for common |
| our time that it is difficult to decide which ones to | | | | themes and interests. You are on your way to |
| choose. When you already have a family vision | | | | developing your family's unique vision statement. |