What if you had to summarize your life’s work in one sentence? What would it look like? What would your claim to fame be? Would you be proud? This exercise is a culmination of all the previous exercises. Give it a try and be honest with yourself.
What does a meaningful life look like? Start with the end in mind. What will be your legacy? Writing your desired legacy on your figurative headstone or obituary will quickly separate your calling from your hobbies.
Jesus’ Example
I, Jesus, loved God with (none/some/half/all) of my heart, mind and strength. This was apparent in how I loved my neighbor (not at all, unequal, almost equal, more than) myself.
I, being of (INFJ The Protector) used these natural and learned talents (Intuitively understands people and situations, Idealistic, Highly principled, Complex and deep, Natural leader, Sensitive and compassionate towards people) and used them to satisfy (myself /others/God) through my primary personal mission of (reconciling man with God through an unconditional act of sacrificial love) and my secondary personal mission of (teaching others about God’s nature and how to love).
My treasure was allocated towards the three most important things to me (I had no earthly treasure and carried nothing with me except for my cloak and staff).
My time was allocated towards the three most important things to me (communicating with God, spiritually teaching others about God, physically healing and feeding others).
Your Example
I, (insert name), loved God with (none/some/half/all) of my heart, mind and strength.
This was apparent in how I loved my neighbor (not at all, unequal, almost equal, equal) to myself or Jesus himself.
I, being of (insert personality type) used these natural and learned (insert talents)
and used them to satisfy (myself /others/God) through my primary personal mission of (insert primary personal mission) and my secondary personal mission of (insert secondary personal mission).
My treasure was allocated towards the three most important things to me (list top 3 from Life Evaluation exercise).
My time was allocated towards the three most important things to me (list top 3 from Life Evaluation exercise).
One final sentence to summarize your life.
Obviously Jesus’ example is a little more impressive but the idea is to try out a few scenarios (real and idealized) of who you’re called to be and what you did with your calling.
How these events would be viewed outside of your lifetime?
What would it take to get there?
In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the ideal servants multiplied the resources entrusted to them. To avoid being like the servant that just buried their resources, go back to the Life Evaluation exercise and reflect on what the right answer is for you and for God or discover your Personal Mission and develop your Personal Strategic Plan.
