Day 6: Identifying Family Purpose

Your family has been intentionally brought together—not to be the same or do the same things—but to be true to who each of you are, together.

Navigating the exploration of your family's collective purpose is a meaningful journey, weaving depth and connection into the fabric of your shared experiences. While each of you holds unique aspirations and plays distinct roles, finding common ground enhances your unity and resilience.

As you define your family's purpose, consider that your family has been intentionally brought together—not to be the same or do the same things—but to be true to who each of you are, together. Your family's purpose is what you do every single day, much like Nike's mission statement, "To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world."

So, why does a mission statement matter for your family's purpose, and how do you find it? To discover your family's purpose, first understand your family's identity. Reflect on your core values—what makes your family unique. Are you a Joyous family? One that loves to learn? Maybe you're the ones that fight for Justice. Sit down with your family, bring God into the conversation, and let Him reveal those core values, making the identification of your family's purpose monumentally easier.

Take, for example, The Skywalker family, who, after prayer, discussion, and the pure force of will, identified their core values as Justice, Leadership, & Courage. Their Purpose reflects these values: To face difficulty with courage, inspire others to live more, dream more, and do more, and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Finding your family's purpose is about understanding your identity and turning it into a Family Mission Statement that guides your everyday life and helps filter decisions. Your family's Purpose answers the question, “Why are we here?”

Go deeper into your values by brainstorming the characteristics and life principles you believe to be most important in your family. Use questions like, "How do you want to be treated by your family?" and "What matters the most to you when it comes to your everyday life?" to guide you in understanding what’s important to each family member. Write down the values of each family member to ensure that nobody’s input is disregarded. As you reflect and discuss, prioritize the values that matter most to you collectively. This step aligns with the emphasis on finding common themes in your answers to decide your family's priorities.

Now, craft phrases that directly reflect these values—choose the statement you all love and are excited about! And voila! You’ve just formed your family’s mission statement. This phrase should encapsulate what you cherish most as a family and serve as a guidepost when it comes to decision-making and actions.

Your family mission statement will be a dynamic and evolving concept, adapting to changing circumstances and mirroring the maturation of its members, ensuring that it remains relevant and inspiring.

Purposeful and Practical

Turn your mission statement into a lived experience. Engage in regular family meetings centered around open and honest communication, finding creative ways to practically live out your family purpose. This could involve setting and achieving family goals, participating in community service together, or creating traditions that reflect your shared values.

By consistently incorporating these activities into your family life, you'll not only reinforce your purpose but also cultivate a sense of unity and purposeful living that extends beyond words to tangible actions. Your family mission statement will be more than a mere statement; it will be a guidepost, shaping your collective journey with intention and meaning.

1. How can your family mission statement serve as a guide in decision-making and actions?
2. Reflect on a specific situation where your family's mission statement could provide clarity and direction.
3. What practical steps can your family take to live out your mission statement on a daily basis?
4. How can family meetings centered around open communication contribute to a more purposeful family life?
5. Consider specific family goals, like engaging in community service or creating traditions that align with your shared values. How might these activities reinforce your family purpose?