Values

By Jeff Becraft

Last week, I had the tremendous opportunity to speak at a retreat for a children’s home. I was the one who spoke at the evening sessions. In the morning sessions, a different member of the staff would have a time of looking at what is most important in life. The morning sessions were great.

I took notes on what was shared.  (“You took notes?  Aren’t you the guy who is speaking at this thing?”… as someone asked me years ago. I am still learning and growing.)

On Wednesday morning, the person had several points. His first point: determine your values as opposed to what you want right now.

This is extremely important. What we value and what we want are two different things. What we value runs much deeper. Value concerns worth and importance. It goes beyond the surface… and it goes beyond the moment.

For instance, I value the importance of people and feel people should be treated with love and respect. Now, on any given day, I might be overly tired and in an ornery mood and want to pop somebody in the jib. This may be what I feel and want at the moment, but it doesn’t match up with my values.

Values will determine what we want to live out. It can help us make decisions and choices as we navigate various situations in life.

So take the time and sit down and write out what are the values for your life…what is really most important to you. Then go live that out… every day.

Jeff Becraft is the Director Emeritus for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives. Youth Corps is a life-changing leadership development experience that inspires high school students to be leaders in the Midlands and beyond. You can connect with Jeff at [email protected].