Personal Vision Statement/Charism
Recently, I have been working with a Spiritual Director. During one of our talks, I was asked what my personal Charism was. I had no idea what she was talking about! What is a Charism? As stated by The Catherine of Siena Institute, “Charisms, or spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God’s goodness for people. They are given to us to benefit other people and are one of the ways God continues to enter the world through our agreement and cooperation.”
I sat to brainstorm and write about my charisms and remembered that many, many years ago, I had written a Personal Vision Statement. Included in that statement are the charisms I believe that God has gifted me with. I shared this vision statement on Facebook many years ago. More recently, I had shared the memory. A dear friend saw the post, then printed and framed it for me.
My Personal Vision Statement
I will utilize all the gifts God has given me to infuse all aspects of my life with purpose, thanksgiving, and life. I strive to model all aspects of my life to reflect my Christian beliefs and values of hope, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, integrity and honesty, and love. Each day is a gift and I will live each moment to its fullest. I will provide love and support to my family, friends, coworkers, patients, and those who need it. I strive to happily share my gifts, talents and wealth with those who are less fortunate. I endeavor to act in a manner that promotes and demonstrates respect; for myself, for others, and for the beliefs and opinions of those around me, being appreciative of differences and value diversity. To be a trustworthy and loyal friend. To accept responsibility for my mistakes and learn from them, to welcome constructive criticism, to use it to become a better person, and to never forget the lessons that I am learning every day. I make an effort for all of my actions to have the best of intentions; honest, ethical, and true to what I believe.
I believe….
From the moment we are born, we recognize within ourselves an insatiable hunger for more life. We are created by god to do more than to just exist. I have come that they may have life, and live it to the fullest. John 10:10. Having an exceedingly abundant life is not about possessions, but what we receive as gifts from the Lord – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
How do we know we have an abundant life? We share our life with others. When we have enough of the Lord’s blessings to share with others, and we actually do it (James 1:22); that is when we have an exceedingly abundant life.
I believe…..
To be able to live an exceedingly abundant life, we need to be healthy: physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. God has designed us to be a finely tuned instrument that is resilient. It endures fractures and adhesions, constant pain and turmoil. However, it is a fragile instrument because it is not built to handle excess. It chokes on poisons when ingested in unending doses as fuel. It has moving, feeling and thinking parts that can be misused.
I am Passionate about…..
Healing. Compassion. Serving. Seeing those around me being able to find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives, so that their lives would be abundant. I am passionate about showing others, through my reflection, how to strive for an exceedingly abundant life.
I Envision…..
A world where health is the “norm”. Where physical health and healing is the standard and self-control is easier. Where mental health overflows in kindness and goodness to others. Where emotional health shows more compassion and empathy. Where financial health allows us to do more and be more for others. Where spiritual health brings to us love, joy, and peace.
I envision a world where we can live every day of our lives with purpose, not waste our lives away.
And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes!’ Mark 9:23