Thought of the Day

Just something I've been thinking about lately:

What if we actually believed that we are able to make a difference?


How then would our behavior and intentions change?  I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

A Statement of Purpose

I apologize for the very long hiatus I have taken from the blogosphere!  I originally viewed this blog primarily as a way to stay in touch with friends and family during my semester abroad in St. Andrews, Scotland.  (And even then, if you remember, I was terrible about writing frequently.  I think I still have residual guilt over that....)  Anyhow, here I am, writing to you once again.  And this time, I am approaching blogging with a different goal.  While I still want to tell you about all the fun things that are happening to me here in Lexington, I really want to share some of the thoughts I've had as a result of my master's program.  The Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce does a wonderful job exposing us to as many "life-experiences" and aspects of the international community as possible.  I have only been here a week, and already I am amazed at:  1) the number of events that we have been to and 2) the amount of personal reflection that I've had.  To be frank, I have never really felt the urge to blog before; it was really more of "oh-that'd-be-a-cool-thing-to-do" kind of feeling.  But now I find myself writing down potential blog topics in my notes during class and feeling excited to think through those topics further.  If I'm feeling like this after only a week of Orientation and 2 days of classes, I simply cannot wait to see what the rest of the semester brings!

Before Orientation started, we (the first year students) were required to come up with a personal mission statement; one that reflected our goals, etc. for the next five years.  I found the activity to be unexpectedly difficult.  I knew what mission statements were, but I had absolutely no idea how to construct my own, especially as there is no template or guidelines to follow.  In the end, I think it was a great exercise; it really made me think about why I want the things in life that I do and why I am even pursuing this degree.  Ultimately, it made me realize more concretely what little control I have over my own life, and how the mission God has set in place for me resoundingly trumps any and all plans I make on my own.  I strongly encourage you to sit down and think about what your life mission statement would be.  What do you hope to achieve?  to have? to be?  How will you get there?  Why do you want those things?

Here is what I came up with as my mission statement:

I seek to live in such a way that will positively change the lives of others.  Even if I impact the life of just one individual, I will deem my dedication to others to be a success.  I want to live with compassion, selflessness, and grace, ever striving to make a difference, striving to create change.

I want to be someone who is not afraid to take a stand for what she believes, even at the expense of my own material success.  Success for me will not be measured by wealth, popularity, or renown, but rather by the depth of relationships made, dedication to what is right, and commitment to God’s will.  I will fight for the rights of those at home and abroad, defending the inherent dignity of humanity. I want to change the way the world perceives the oppressed and combat the "bystander effect," inspiring ordinary citizens to take action in defense of their fellow men.  I will strive to always perform to the utmost of my ability, using the tools given to me through study and experience to give hope to those who suffer.

I seek to live passionately, deeply invested in both my vocation and the lives of my family and friends.  I want to be one who cherishes her family and actively nourishes those relationships.  I want to make myself continually available as a consistent source of support and love, upon which family and friends can rely.

Regardless of the plan I set out for myself in these words, my ultimate life mission is to honor and glorify the Lord through my pursuit of academics, vocation, family, and whatever else He leads me to do.  In all things, my successes are a result of His blessings; and therefore, I will strive to live in humility, recognizing the gifts He has given me.  Likewise, I will face my failures confidently, eager to learn from my mistakes and secure that the Lord has a purpose for me.  I will strive to continually live in light of His glory and grace, reveling in the beauty He has bestowed upon humanity and Creation.

I was struck by the final part of the instructions given to us for the assignment:  "The final test of any such plan is, 'Does this statement inspire me?'"  What is it that inspires you?