And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:15

The Pettingas gave each grandchild an assignment to write a statement that could be included in the Family Mission Statement. They were required to discuss it with the immediate families, then send the final wording to grandpa for inclusion in the document. All ten grandchildren contributed and with only a few minor alterations the family unanimously adopted it at a Christmas family gathering. Each year, when they gather at Christmas, the youngest grandchild reads the Mission Statement and it is open for discussion whether any changes need to be made. Now each grandchild receives a framed copy of the Pettinga Family Mission Statement when they go off to college.

Use what they have prepared as an idea of what you could do, but make it your own. This is a perfect tool for creating an inter-generational dialogue in your family around your core values and what God wants your family to be. Go for it! Let me know how it works for your family.

FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT

Of the three generations of the Frank and Sue Pettinga family…

Our homes are harbors where peace is natural. Our families are havens from the stresses of daily life where we feel comfortable and receive rejuvenation for encountering tomorrow. Our inclusive family of three generations is a small and intimate community that:

• Provides acceptance of what you are and encouragement for what you want to be

• Encourages communication with each other about concerns without put-downs

• Provides a milieu in which we have freedom to express ourselves and make decisions with help from loved ones

• Freely lends support to members who find themselves in adversity or in significant times of change wherever they may find themselves in the world

• Gives us an atmosphere where individual talents are recognized and fostered, and where trust is always present

• Inspires us to worship our loving God, bask in the love of our Savior, and faithfully respond to His call for justice, peace, and love in the world whether through a classroom, through a science project, through our expressions in the arts or athletic ability, through a law school exam, or through late-night coffees with a daughter, sibiling or nephew who just needs to talk

• Provides a place where we have fun and laugh easily, but also gives us elbow room where we can have quiet times

To summarize in little Lila’s words (five years old), our home are places where “you gotta have love and you must eat your vegetables.”

Guides for everyday living:

1. Be generous with love to family and friends

2. Be kind and serve your community. Take care of your neighborhood.

3. Be always alert to fostering peace, locally and throughout the world.

4. Stay in good health, eat right, and exercise every day.

5. Go to church, pray often, and read your Bible.

6. Be affirming and forgiving to those around you.

7. Work and study diligently, maintain integrity in everything you do.

8. Seize the day! Live life to the fullest!