Homework
Read the story first: Homework.
Nugget of Wisdom
If you think you can, you probably can. If you think you can’t, even if you can, you won’t.
First General Order
Before beginning, come together as a group to briefly discuss prayer needs and pray for God's guidance, wisdom, and protection over this time.
Mission
Think back to a time in your childhood, typically between the ages of 10 to 12, when you felt labeled or misunderstood. Was there a moment where you felt others believed something about you that was not true? Did you ever try to prove them wrong? Tell that story.
Mission Execution
Sit face to face with no distractions, hold hands, and maintain eye contact. As one speaks, the other listens fully without interruption, without correcting, and without trying to fix anything. As the receiver, your role is not to judge, but to understand the emotion behind what is being said. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes at times to help you focus, listen deeply, and feel what your partner is feeling. Learn to recognize their emotions, how they process, and how they experience the moment. Take a few minutes each and do not rush the process. Be fully present with each other. This is not about being right, it is about being known, understood, and becoming one with each other.
Questions
When you were labeled or misunderstood, how did it make you feel about yourself? Did you begin to believe it, or did something inside you resist it?
Have there been times in your life where you proved something once, but chose not to continue? Why did you stop—was it lack of motivation, lack of recognition, or something else?
Do you currently carry any labels about yourself that may not be true? How have those beliefs affected your decisions, effort, or confidence?
As you listened to your partner’s story, what emotions did you hear beneath their words? Were you able to stay present without judging or trying to fix anything?
Where in your life today do you know you are capable of more, but have chosen not to pursue it? What is holding you back?
This Week’s Mission
This week, I want both of you to think about something simple you can do for the other person. It may take a little thought, because it is not something they have asked for, demanded, or even expect. It could be something as small as placing their shoes by the chair they sit in, setting out their silverware before dinner, or taking care of a small task they normally do themselves. There are hundreds of examples. Keep it simple, but make sure it requires some level of effort.
Commit to doing this for each other five times this week. Your schedule does not change. You still go to work, you still handle your responsibilities, and your daily routine stays the same. There are no excuses. You are simply creating the ability to do something intentional for each other within the life you already live.
As you do this, pay attention. Notice that you are capable of it, even when you feel busy. As the one receiving it, do not overlook it. Recognize it. How does it make you feel when someone does something for you without being asked?
What is happening here is simple. You are learning how to serve one another.