A parishioner recently shared with my wife a family custom of keeping key family values in sight so that everyone was mindful of them. In the home of the parishioner, the top value was Honor. 

Inspired by this custom, my wife recently wrote a meditation on honor that was sent to members of the Christ Church family. Later, during a walk in the Brandywine Creek State Park, we created a list of our own, which I now share with you. 

Number One is Love. As for the rest, they appear in no particular order. To each I have added a pithy, sometimes unorthodox description, and invite you to submit your own definitions or suggestions.

Beresford Family Values

10. Wisdom
King Solomon, who grew less wise the older he got, proved that age doesn’t necessarily guarantee wisdom. Wisdom is knowing what matters and what doesn’t, when to open your mouth and when to keep it firmly shut. A wise person is able to see where God is present in the world. Wisdom and Gratitude (No. 7) are related.

9. Truth
The most persecuted value in the world. The Soviet newspaper was called Pravda, which means “truth”. Real, actual truth defies rationalizations, narratives, deflections, obfuscations, and thinking something is when it isn’t. The opposite of truth is lies. Jesus called Satan, “the Father of Lies.” 

8. Joy
One of the defining characteristics of a Christian. The deeper one’s faith, the greater the joy. Joy is often hidden deep within us.

7. Gratitude
The secret of a good life. Gratitude turns us inside out, helps us gain perspective, unlocks our mind to see God in everything.

6. Striving
The opposite of inertia, indifference or being resigned to your fate. One of the best feelings in life is when you set yourself a goal and strive for it. 

5. Honor
Drawing God’s attention to someone. 

4. Vision
God’s dream. Seeing two things at once: what is and what could be; what is visible and what is hidden.

3. Hope
Being open to new life. Welcoming the future. Hope feeds No. 6 (Striving)

2. Faith
Trust in God. Confidence in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Being overwhelmed by the love of God in Jesus Christ.

1. Love
If you want to know about love, study the Cross. It is the greatest expression of love in the world. 

Although there are ten values - which is suitably Biblical - if our walk had been longer, so would the list have been. Taken as a whole, they have both a foundational and inspirational purpose. As someone created in the image of God, the values help me to live up to my own personal calling as a child of God and as a “Jesus person”. 

With blessings for Pentecost!

Father David