This was a more difficult exercise than I thought it would be. To reflect on my core values and name them as such required some time and thought. And as Nina recommended it was good to start naming those for myself. So here’s what I came up with:
- Gratitude: I have found after a year of crisis and loss how deeply grateful I am for my call, my ministry and my relationships that have sustained me. A few lately have described me as resilient which can only be the result of having so many support me to continue to live into the call God has on my life.
- Curiosity: When I encounter nasty people I do always wonder what pain they must be enduring, why might they be the way they are, and who formed them. This trait was a gift from my dad, who always looked beneath the surface of others with love and compassion.
- Empathy: I feel the feelings with and for others. One friend described it like an octopus that grabs the feelings of others and holds on tight whenever we walk into a room.
- Generosity: I am proud of all the ways I am able to invite others in and give freely.
- Adaptability: I feel comfortable with change, or with plans being moved and adapting to a new opportunity. I tend to hold all things loosely.
Usually when I violate any of these it is my own pride that trips me up. If I am angry or resentful, I can close myself off and lose my sense of grace or wonder about another. These are the moments I recognize my own internal work needs to continue, to take a breath, recognize myself as Beloved, and begin again.
4 comments
I also appreciate your last sentence. It sparked me to pull a book off the shelf that has been near and dear to me. A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly. In his conversation about Holy Obedience he says, “If you slip and stumble and forget God for a time, and assert your old proud self, and rely upon your own clever wisdom, don’t spend too much time in anguished regrets and self accusations but begin again, just where you are”. That has been a life-saving reminder to me over many years. Thank you for this honest and refreshing glimpse into your values.
Mindy, by taking the time to explain each of your values you have added another layer of insight for me to see how God shapes and transforms people into who He wants them to be. It is good to remember that our values come to us in a variety of ways. It is especially beautiful to see that you are living in your dad’s legacy through your shared curiosity!
Mindy, these are such great values. Thank you for your work in processing and naming them. If I could have 10 or 20 in my top 5, I would add Gratitude, Curiosity, Generosity, and Adaptability. 🙂 So vital to our well-being and that of our communities. I love that you were able to acknowledge ways in which you do these well, and the grace you are able to offer yourself when you trip up.
“take the breath, recognize myself as Beloved, and begin again” Beautiful. Thank you for that. Are their practices that help?