What is the fruit that we want to see grown in the lives of our children?
It starts with God.
We were made by Him.
He made us to live in relationship with Him.
Flowing from God is love.
God is love.
Our foundational values are:
- Love God
- Love Others
- Love Yourself
The next layer of values are:
- Seek Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding (Learn)
- Live With Integrity (Be Truthful)
- Accept Responsibility
- Be a Leader
If these values are the foundation and "soil" of our child's heart, what is some of the fruit we would like to see growing?
Part of the answer is found in a very helpful book by Stephen Covey, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". The principles in this book have proven effective in many organisations, families and schools around the world. I have found the principles extremely helpful in my own development.
While the book is not written by a Christian author, it identifies principles which are helpful to every one of us. In the same way that gravity is a universal law, each of the 7 principles that Stephen Covey has identified are universal and applicable to everyone.
This year we will be teaching these principles in an attempt to cultivate the respective habits. In this process we will be using examples from the Scripture to provide a Christian perspective and how each of these can help us live for God.
What are the 7 Habits? We'll provide more detail as we go through the year, but here's a summary:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Being proactive means taking responsibility for our attitudes and actions as well as taking the initiative to make things happen.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Start with a clear destination to understand where you are now, where you're going, and what you value most.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
This is about personal management, which involves organising and managing time, events and self. Organise and execute around priorities.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
"Win-Win" is the attitude of seeking mutual benefit.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Understanding builds the skills of empathic listening that inspire openness and trust.
Habit 6: Synergise
Synergy results from teamwork and cooperation, from valuing differences by bringing different perspectives together in the spirit of mutual respect.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renewing your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional attributes makes possible personal fulfilment and growth.
* as summarised on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Desk Calendar
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