My dream last night had my Dad proclaiming that everyone in the family (my parents, Amy & I, my brothers & their families) were getting together to put together a “values statement” for the family. Of course, this was a religious exercise, and something I would respectfully decline in real life.

I really do like the idea of a “family values statement” though. I don’t know where my brain came up with the idea, but it’s great! Lots of people dismiss corporate “mission statements” and such declarations as just meaningless words, but they’re only meaningless words because everyone ignores them — including the people who came up with them in the first place. I personally feel we need more “mission statements” to keep everyone on the same page, and a failure to reach out goals is the price we pay for ignoring our missions.

A values statement for Amy & I might include caring for animals, recycling, keeping frivolous spending to a minimum, donating to charity, and being productive instead of sitting around watching TV all day.

It couldn’t be binding of course, but it’s a reinforcement of what we believe. I wonder if something like that might be useful when we’re ready to start a family to start our kids on the right path.