My Top 5 for the Next 5

Maria Dautruche
Aug 22, 2017 · 3 min read

I’m on a 5-year plan.

Here’s a truth bomb: The last 3 years of my life have been trying, frustrating, and illuminating. I’ve moved, got married, started a new job, and become a mom. Most days I didn’t know if I was coming or going — I just kept moving because it seems as if that’s what I was expected to do.

I don’t want to discredit the good times, though. I continue to live a great life. There were moments of triumph and beacons of light and hope. I’m still here. I’m stronger, wiser, and better for what I went through. I’m just saying: It was rough.

But now that season is over. The clouds are parting and sun is peeking through, and I am clear about who I am and what I want to do in this season of my life. Therefore, over the next 5 years get used to hear me say the following and govern myself accordingly:

  1. “That’s not in my budget.” Down to the tip at a group brunch, if I did not budget for it, I’m not going to do it. I am both broke and on a budget. My financial life is planned down to the penny, and sticking to the plan is going to be critical to achieving my goals. Goals include some pretty major things for me and mine from 2018–2023. Like, we are gonna come outta this thing new creatures (I’ll be 40!), and I can’t waste coins. I need all my coins for where I’m going.
  2. “That’s not my ministry.” I thank God for all my gifts, talents, and ability, and I’d be a fool not to use them all. To whom much is given, much is required. Still, when I refer to my “ministry” I refer to the specifically assigned body of work in service to others for God’s glory that is mine to do. Just in case you’re wondering, that includes being Joel’s wife and Imena’s mom, so you may also hear me say “Family first!” a lot moving forward.
  3. “Consider the source.” Thanks for this one, Mom. My mom used to say this to me when I came to her with gossip or any hearsay. It simply means that the messenger matters and so does credibility. Don’t believe everything you hear is pure gospel truth because people are people and do what they do to truth on a daily basis. It also brings to mind that when I speak, I am a source for someone’s message hearing. It’s a reminder, then, to be reputable, honest, and reliable. It’s a call to be a truth-teller, and a reminder to tell the truth in such a way that the truth can be received — to teach with kindness.
  4. “I see you.” People don’t feel seen. People don’t feel heard. They don’t feel valued. They don’t feel acknowledged, and that’s why so many people are out here acting out and messing up. They want attention. So you know what people? “I see you.” I see you in the tradition of the Zulu people who when one walks down a road and sees another says, “Sawubona” which means “I see you” and is greeted by the Zulu seen with “Sikhona” which means “I am here [because you see me].” It’s not just a noticing, it’s reflective of a connected humanity — a partnership and kinship together.
  5. “That’s Bible!” Living a Biblically-based life is on the one hand what I am called to do as a Christian and also just not my ministry. Seems a contradiction, but alas, the Bible was developed in a particular time and cultural context that would prevent me from eating cheeseburgers and perhaps be a participant in a polygamous relationship. Nevertheless, the use of this phrase in heavy rotation over the next 5 years indicates my intention to know more about and live out more of the truths to be found in the Bible. As a matter of fact, someone should look at my life and say, “That’s Bible!”

I should just get these on t-shirts and pens. Hmm… maybe a business will flow from this.

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