RULE (OR wAY) OF LIVING LIFE AT THE GAP

At The Gap at Sawmill Meadow, our focus is on living life so that our “head knowledge” of the ways of Jesus and with “adulting” skills become habitually integrated in the way we live out our lives each day. In other words, it is the process of sanctification over a lifespan as a disciple of Jesus AND the process of becoming a responsible citizen able to thrive in that responsibility.

For a life that is thriving in responsibility and that emulates Jesus:

  1. We lean completely on the words of Jesus to root us in the process of sanctification:

    Love the Lord your God with all your hearts, souls, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.

  2. We lean on the expertise of business and industry experts to guide us towards a life thriving in responsibility.

  3. We rely on multiple, intentional, mentoring relationships to work this out practically.


What does that look like on a day to day basis? We start with a set of common values that are considered important beacons for day to day life. And these values translate into a Way of Living Life or Rule of Living Life while at The Gap at Sawmill Meadow.

Presence

We practice the removal of distractions in our interactions with people and God. We actively pursue connection with each other and God intentionally.

commitment

We value others and ourselves through honoring our commitments especially through difficulties. We value the pursuit of and receipt of constructive feedback related to our commitments on an ongoing basis.

generosity

We value generosity of time, money and words for the sake of loving others because of Jesus. We volunteer in the community and give a portion of our earnings to causes that align with our personal values. We are generous with our words towards others, affirming how we see their unique wirings.

curiosity

We value knowing others by asking more questions to learn about them and their beliefs. We commit to being lifelong learners believing it is the path to wisdom.

authenticity

We value others and ourselves by bringing our true selves to every interaction recognizing our tendencies towards our false or ideal selves. In community, we are honest with each other for the purpose of loving toward Jesus.

humility

We value the practice of confession, forgiveness and apology. We see others as a reflection of Jesus.


Practically, what does this look like? A lot can happen with the repetitive nature of discovery, practice and processing. Habits are formed and reformed, developed and discarded. Our RULE OF LIVING LIFE at The Gap at Sawmill Meadow serves as a guideline to grow us toward a thriving adult in purpose and responsibility.

    • Technology free one hour before bed

    • Schedule 10 minutes of stillness

    • Practice active listening

    • Keep common and personal spaces tidy

    • Be present, curious and unhurried with interactions

    • Practice gratitude prayer

    • Read scripture

    • Observe a digital Sabbath for 24 hrs

    • Journal prayers

    • Intentionally visit with family or a community member

    • Review personal budget and identify areas of generosity

    • Hand-write a letter

    • Prepare and participate in small group

    • Invite a guest to family dinner

    • Exercise 2-3 times per week

    • Limit Amazon deliveries to Tuesday

    • Meet with mentor

    • Attend church

    • Volunteer at least 4 hours monthly

    • Tithe

    • Engage with each other and guests during adventures and seminars

    • Spend ½ day in solitude in nature

    • Write thank you notes to scholarship donors

    • Meet with financial planner to review budget goals

    • Celebrate a 24 hour sabbath with a meal

    • Simplify belongings and donate them

Our approach to learning, life and adventure while at The Gap is captured in these taglines: “Take the trail less traveled” and “lean in,” because something happens inside of us when we see life, and ourselves, through the lens of conquering something difficult or overcoming  “failures.”