I posted this today on my SmallWorld Reads blog as part of Sunday Scribblings, but it seems quite appropriate to post here, as well, slightly edited for a homeschooling audience. I spent most of today at our local homeschooling convention, so I have this particular type of "vision" in mind.
My family does not have a vision statement. It is something of which I am occasionally made aware, with a twinge of guilt, at this time of year. At the homeschooling conventions which are hed nation-wide in the summer, new homeschoolers often attend workshops called something like, "Getting Started in Homeschooling." And at these "Getting Started" type workshops, parents are often encouraged to write a family vision statement.
There are loads of "Getting Started" advice on websites, too. Like this from Trinity Prep School: Developing a family vision statement .... or in my case, a paragraph, requires one to reflect on core family values. What is your vision for your family? Think long term .... what legacy do you want your children to pass onto THEIR children? Choosing action verbs in stating core values, creates an overall implementation plan.
And this one from Victory Coaching:
A well written family vision statement will answer life’s great questions: Why am I here (purpose)? Where am I going (vision)? How will I get there (mission)? What's important and right (values)? It is like a compass that guides your course. When referred to regularly, it helps to shape the goals you set and the decisions you make that will lead to your desired destination.
And so here's why we don't have a family vision statement: I think they are silly. For us. We are not the kind of family to create "an overall implementation plan." Oh, I could think of lots of "action verbs" that state our core values: Laugh. Love. Serve. Learn. Enjoy. Climb. Read. Smile. Encourage. Embrace. Believe. Imagine. Create. Breathe.
But a written vision statement? It's just not for us. It's not that we take one day at a time necessarily. We have basic goals. We make schedules. We have dreams and hopes for our children. But somehow the formality of a written vision statement seems too cumbersome and business-like.
Still, every year about this time I wonder: should we write a family vision statement? Nah. I'll stick with my list of action verbs.
Comments
Saturday, June 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by chickadee@afamiliarpath
*clapping*
i totally agree. why do we need that extra burden. can't we just live our lives?
i like the action verb idea.
Sunday, June 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Margaret
Funny you should bring this up. I was reading "something" recently that admonished the reader to write a family mission statement. I have always thought it was a goofy idea but brought it up to my husband. He sort of grunted. That usually means he thinks it's a goofy idea but doesn't want to offend me. So no mission/vision statement for us either!
Sunday, June 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Action verbs. I love it.
Sandy
http://sandy-fallinglikerain.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 3, 2008 - Vision
Posted by Anonymous
I don't know if our family ever really had a vision statement. IMHO, as the Bible says, without a vision the people cast off restraint or fall into all sorts of sin. I think first off the church needs to have vision or a vision, which should, in turn be imparted to the families. Unfortunately, so many churches have already turned their children over to the state that support for Biblical schooling is often not part of the church vision.
I think that one reason churches fall is lack of vision OR wrong headed, nonBiblical visions. Failing all of that the whole homeschooling movement needs to have better vision. Why has God directed this movement? What are his purposes?
It is clear that the homeschooling movement is the ONLY place that future leaders are going to develop. As such it is extremely important to have vision. Then, finally, families need to have vision.
The first statement I'd make for family vision would to be develop a Biblical worldview. This would include the cultural mandate given in Genesis and certainly would emphasize the 6 day creation account. Evolution is constantly undermining practically all authority of scripture that families try to teach. It is of utmost importance to establish the proper Biblical framework.
All other subjects should flow from proper Biblical framework and development of Biblical character in our children.
That all was not much of a Vision statement but one should certainly be made and the earlier the better.
