The other day a reader left a comment on my facebook page seeking some encouragement and motivation to organize her home. Realizing that anything I could tell her would be just words and likely far more meaningful to me than they would be for her, I encouraged her to write a mission statement for what she wants her home to be so that when she is weary and discouraged she can be reminded of what it is she's trying to accomplish. And then I realized that I should take my own advice!
A mission statement for your home is similar to but different from a family mission statement. It is not about what you as people want to be and accomplish, but what role you'd like for your home to play in that. Here are some tips to help you create a mission statement for your home:
- A good format for a mission statement is to start with what you hope to accomplish (Our mission is to...) followed by how you hope to accomplish it (by doing...) and finally the purpose for which you want to accomplish these things (so that...)
- Look beyond the obvious goals like cleaning and organizing and address the atmosphere you'd like to create in your home and why you'd like to do so.
- Don't obsess over it or turn it into another project hanging over your head. Just jot something down or type it out and post it in a place where you will see it. Use it as a guide when you are feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list or under motivated.
The mission of this home is to nurture and nourish the mind, body and spirit of all who enter by creating a warm and welcoming refuge and an atmosphere of love, learning, simplicity and order so that our own family and guests alike will leave here feeling refreshed, encouraged and well loved.
What is your mission for your home?
This is such a great idea - thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice....I'm going to write my own mission statement! Thanks for the great post today.
ReplyDeleteAmy
crazyclutterlady.blogspot.com
I have never thought of coming up with a mission statement before, I think its a great idea and probably helpful to stay true to your convictions when times are tough. I do have a couple of verses that mean a lot to me that I get some inspiration from, for our family Josh 24:15 "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." and for our homeschooling 1 Pet 5:2-4 "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
ReplyDeletebeautiful
DeleteWhat an INSPIRED idea!! I am soooo doing this..thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOff to write a mission statement for our home & family! What a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteA great idea. I've been thinking vaguely about this all last year as we planned extensions to our home. Now as the building is almost finished it would be helpful for me to write something down before we set up our now-larger home. I want to keep those aims in mind as I organise, place furniture and declutter. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour mission statement is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNo mission statement, but an inspirational poem that i hold very dear while the kids grow up and the house is a mess. A reminder to why i make priorities like a do, when i happen to forget...
ReplyDeletebest regards, you have a beautiful family (and blog)
Laura in Sweden
This is a Home Where Children Live
You may not find things all in place,
Friend, when you enter here.
But we’re a home where children live,
We hold them very dear.
And you may find small fingerprints
And smudges on the wall.
When the kids are gone, we’ll clean them up,
Right now we’re playing ball.
For there’s one thing of which we’re sure,
These children are on loan.
One day they’re always underfoot,
Next thing you know, they’re gone.
That’s when we’ll have a well-kept house,
When they’re off on their own.
Right now, this is where children live,
A loved and lived-in home.
Thank you for this post. I recently posted similarly and I'm glad to have another perspective. I think I'll do one for my home as well (ours was a family mission statement). www.developingmynaturetonurture.blogspot.com/2012/02/unifying-our-family.html
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea
ReplyDeleteMy mission statement is "never leave things till tomorrow when you can do it today!"
ReplyDeletewhere did you get your welcome sign from? I've been wanting to get one for ages for our home - not seen one I liked before, but love this one.
ReplyDeleteHi! My sister gave me this one. She bought it at a cute little country store that sells a lot of handmade items. Hopefully you can find something similar at a store near you. Or maybe you could paint one? :)
DeleteOooo, I'm new to all this crafty stuff... but I guess if I could find a good piece of wood and make a stencil, then that would work :) Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteWhat a great idea. I just took time to write our family Mission Statement and I plan to pin in on our family bulletin board in the kitchen for all to see. It definitely will help keep things in perspective when life gets crazy.
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd share mine with you....
The mission of this home is to raise Godly men. Men who love the Lord, who respect and love each other and others with a genuine heart. May this home be a safe place to share joys, fears and frustrations, where hugs are abounding and grace is, too. May it also be a place where responsibility is learned and accountability is achieved. Where smiles override the frowns and tears are met with understanding and a listening ear. Even amidst the busiest days may we always take time to connect and nourish one another with words of encouragement.