Last week, in Whistler, I was relaxing in my hotel room when mice started scurrying about the room. They seemed annoyed that we were in their room! The maintenance staff were very apologetic and helpful but in the morning the concierge was much less so, likely because I was asking how he was going to make it right.
We debate about what’s right and wrong but often it would be more correct to say we are arguing the ranking of values. It wasn’t about the value of mice but rather the value of a mouse-free hotel room.
Ken Blanchard, best-selling author and leadership expert, teaches the importance of ranking values. Most hotels would have values such as “good amenities” or “cleanliness” but one might expect “rodent-free” to be ranked above “nice hot-tub.”
In more personal and serious matters, you need to rank your personal values. Work, family, pleasure, spirituality, health, etc. The question isn’t “Do you love your family?” It is, “Do you love your family more than your job?”
Similarly, the question isn’t, “Do you believe in God?” It is, “How important is a relationship with God to you?”
Christianity is a faith that calls one to rank a right relationship with God as first and foremost (Matthew 6:33). It’s said to be a treasure worth selling all you have to attain (Matthew 13:44).
My rank order is: God, wife, kids and then work. Maybe you could use some downtime this summer to write out your values and then rank them. Just be sure to find a rodent-free place to relax.
