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Lighting the Path Before Us: Values
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As we continue to build our spiritual muscles in this season of uncertainty, today we go back to basics: knowing our values. Right now how we perform daily tasks (remember your mask), how we live together as a nation and more are in flux, but our values can ground us and guide us in the path ahead.
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Our central values are a lantern for the path ahead. The light of values especially helps when we cannot see the next step clearly.
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For the week ahead, I invite us to undertake a variation on an exercise in identifying our values which Brene Brown offers in her Daring Way curriculum[1].
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- First, either draw or picture in your head a lantern. (I like drawing.)
- Second, consider the flame. The flame of the lantern represents one or two values central to our being. This is individual. We each hold many values, but a few are central.
- For example, my core values are courage and hospitality. When I do not live up to these I feel a loss and disappointment in myself. When others act contrary to these values, it hurts and sometimes I am angry.
- Third, write two values on the flame of your lantern.
- Fourth, consider two to three people or activities which protect your values in the way the glass cover of the flame protects the flame from wind.
- A regular prayer time and the watchful eye of my spouse keep me grounded.
- Fifth, write an action and/or person who helps you live your values on the glass surrounding your flame.
- Sixth, consider how you feel or act when you are not living into your values, as with the anger and disappointment I mention above. What are warning signs? Snapping at someone is a strong sign to me to return to the flame.
- Seventh, write these warning signs as the handle of your lantern.
- Eighth repeat or review as needed.
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Let us pray or sing, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,”
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recalling the source of the flame and our values.
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I want to walk as a child of the light
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God sent the stars to give light to the world
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The star of my life is Jesus
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In Him, there is no darkness at all
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The night and the day are both alike
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The Lamb is the light of the city of God
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Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus[1]
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