Several years ago, Calvin and I wrote a family mission statement together. It was kind of long, used some overly technical language, and while we agreed with the spirit of what we wrote and tried to live by it, we didn’t really reference it or talk about it that much.

Last year we updated the statement and made it a bit more accessible and meaningful for our family. We even featured it in a video about making every moment count.

Our mission statement communicates the things that we want to be true of each person that lives in our home. These are the values that we want to cultivate every day and extend to our family, friends, and others we interact with.

We simplified our mission statement even more and created something we could hang on the wall in our home as a regular reminder of what’s most important.

1. Start fresh every day

2. Invest in intentional time together

3. Anticipate needs

4. Express gratitude

5. Be kind

6. Work hard and enjoy its return

7. Quickly ask for and extend forgiveness

8. Respond with self-control and patience

9. Tell the truth

10. Love and prefer others

11. As much as possible, seek peace and unity

12. Make every moment count

| Credits: Author & Photography - Jacintha Payne |