Personal growth May 31, 2019 By
A couple of months ago, we posted an article called, “We Do What’s Right,” where we talked about our seven organizational values at First United. One of these seven organizational values is Family. The full value states, “We cherish family: our own, our bank family, and the families of others. We know family is our foundation.”
In our Family value, we express our desire to cherish families. The definition for cherish is “to cultivate with care.” Here are few ways to cultivate your family relationships:
- Be intentional about your choices. We make our choices based off our priorities. If we say one of our key priorities is to love and cherish our family and others, then our choices should follow. From how you spend your time, how you engage with and respect others, and so much more, ensure your family knows they are your top priority.
- Accept others for who they are. We are all on a different journey and in different places in our lives and learning. It is unfair to expect others to always be aligned to your understanding, thoughts, and ways of doing things. We must accept one another for who we are, including all of our strengths and limitations.
- Learn their needs. I learned through the book Power of TED that behind every complaint is a commitment. When someone is holding tightly to a topic, decision, etc. or they are constantly complaining about something that you may or may not agree with, just know that behind all of that is a commitment they have to something. If you take the time to ask questions and learn more from them (get beyond the complaint or behavior) there is usually something much more meaningful that they value behind it, and knowing tha
- Remember we are all the same Instead of looking at others and listing all the ways you are different or disagree, try to find ways that you are the same. Once you start to notice similarities, you may find that others are easier to connect to, care for, and love. Gandhi once said, “If you do not see God in the next person you meet, there is no use in looking any further.” Try it and I trust it will cultivate a relationship of care.
I encourage you this week to thank God for His gift and to show your appreciation and love to your family and the “family” that surrounds you each day.
“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” - Desmond Tutu
