Tori's Ts of Twenty Fifteen

I've seen many posts over the last few days siting resolutions for the new year and it got me thinking..."What should I resolve to accomplish next year?" You know I'm not going to get too serious here, but I will share a few ideas that I hope to add to my decision making process not just for 2015, but for my lifetime. These are born out of the realization that time is passing quickly and I am getting....let's say 'more mature' (not older).
Trust - This is a BIG one for me. I trust that God is working out everything for good and really doesn't need my help. He is protecting us and providing for us in ways that we will never see, but will we will recognize and acknowledge. I trust that my kids are making good decisions and that they live in truth in their words and actions. I'm having a hard time finding that balance between holding them close and letting them grow. No matter how hard I try to forget, I remember the decisions I made at 13 and 17 and it makes me quiver. My consolation is that they are way smarter than I ever was :).  I trust that leaders, teachers, and coaches are well qualified and sincere in their intentions of doing what is best for everyone involved. Ok, Ok...maybe they do know what they are talking about....some of the time:)
Train - As I mentioned earlier, time is flying and this time next year, graduation will be staring us in the face. I have some time to train Samuel how to cook and clean and do laundry and balance a checkbook and shop for food without going behind him and doing it the way I want it done. And how can I train Cooper to tackle high school with dignity and grace when I 'm not so sure I was very good at that? So, I hope to train them more through my actions than my words. Intentional actions. Trusting that my Training will provided a strong foundation for their future. Training is also my occupation and I resolve to train myself and others with enthusiasm to gain and provide expert knowledge in my field.  I just have to laugh at that! It sounds like something I would write for a 'Job Target' but I am sincere.
Treasure - Although our families are very healthy and come from a line of  'long livers', we are getting older and our life stages are altering. To me, my parents have always been the age they were when I was Cooper's age - about the age I am now. But they can't be my age if I am my age. I treasure every moment I get to spend with our parents, siblings, and other extended family. My parents raised very independent children and we all seemed to go our own way as adults. We may not talk or visit often, but we are family and we come together when we need to. And now I am raising children who are also developing that same strong independence. So I will treasure memories made and yet to be made; time spent and yet to be spent; TLC given and yet to be given; phone calls, text messages, tweets, snapchats - they are all being added to my treasure chest.
Trash - Maybe de-clutter is a better word but it doesn't start with T. Trash bad habits like my diet and lack of consistent exercise. I can trash the grudges I deny I have along with the chip on my shoulder. Did I really just write that? Well I can't delete it then. I can trash a compliant and comfortable attitude and strive for something greater. I can trash some items from my drawers and closet and my kids say, "Amen!"
Try - I won't be perfect (according to some...) and I probably will not participate in these resolutions everyday, but I will try.  I will Try to be the woman and servant that God has asked me to be.  I will Try to be the wife that Rick deserves - passionate about our marriage, our ministry, and our life together.  I will Try to be the mother and grandmother that Samuel and Cooper respect and revere-supporting and encouraging in their endeavors. I will Try to be the leader that models professionalism and 'personal-ism' for coworkers and clients-offering expertise and compassion. I will Try. Try new foods (yuck). Try new looks (uh oh). Try to keep up (huff huff huff). Try to let go (sniff sniff). Try to post more blogs (good intentions). I will Try.  That is all I can ask of myself.
I hope you all determine to Try something in 2015.  Something old or new, or big or small, something restraining or liberating, just something!

Wishing you all a very blessed year!
Tori

Position vs. Vision

Rick asked me to look over this (like it needed it...) and so I asked him if I could share it on my blog. I hope you find it as encouraging as I did. So welcome today's guest blogger, my husband, Rick Mitchell.

POSITION VS. VISION 

As churches/businesses/corporations enter seasons of transition they also will face challenges with individuals attempting to position themselves for promotion.  They see themselves as the next pastor, manager, CEO or whatever title may be.  This is dangerous because they value position over vision. 

I am convinced that we should value vision over position.  Positions come and go but it’s the vision that will carry organizations forward.  If a person can only support a vision when they are in a lead position then they really aren’t connected to the vision.  Instead, they are more concerned with their title and position within the organization. 

Luke 9:46-48

“An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.  Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.  Then he said to them, “Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts me,” he said.  “And whoever accepts me, accepts the one who sent me.  You become great by accepting, not asserting.  Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”

Here are a few thoughts on valuing vision over position.

1.     VALUING POSITION CREATES PRIDE.  VALUING VISION PRODUCES HUMILITY.

When individuals value position over vision it can create a sense of arrogance.  They feel as if the future of the organization is solely dependent upon them.  Pride creates an atmosphere of superiority that can lead to an abuse of authority.  When it becomes “all about me” then the vision is lost and our leadership is compromised.  However, if vision is what drives us then we realize it’s “not all about me” but it is “bigger than me.” 

2.     VALUING POSITION IS “I” FOCUSED.  VALUING VISION IS “WE” FOCUSED.

Competition and comparison within an organization can destroy and organization.  When individuals become “I” focused they will say things like, “I’m better; I’m more gifted; I’m more talented; I deserve; etc.”  That individual exalts themselves above everyone else in the organization.  But individuals who value vision understand that “I can’t do it alone” but “we can do it together.”  I have a picture in my office of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post that says, “I need help to get to where I’m going.”  We is greater than me.

3.     VALUING POSITION CREATES ENEMIES.  VALUING VISION CREATES ALLIES.

Individuals who value position will do whatever it takes to get that position.  They will be tempted to step on others along the way, cash in their integrity and view anyone who opposes them as the enemy.  No organization can be successful if this culture is allowed to filter through the organization.  Individuals who value position will recruit people to join them in this “us versus them” battle.  When team members are forced to take sides then the vision will never be fulfilled.  Valuing vision creates allies that are all fighting for the same thing – the success of the vision. 

4.     VALUING POSITION IS NEVER ENDING.  VALUING VISION IS FULFILLING.

Individuals who believe position brings happiness and fulfillment will be sorely disappointed.  These people can never settle in where they are because they are always looking to the next title or promotion.  They keep searching for fulfillment but it never comes.  In reality, they are connecting their self-worth to their title or position.  When individuals become vision focused they can experience great joy and fulfillment.  When goals are met and the mission is accomplished they can find great satisfaction in knowing they played a vital role in the success of the vision.