Keep Your Vision Alive

I will be brief today. I have a wretched upper respiratory infection and my air conditioning is on the fritz. I’m piled up on my couch watching “Downton Abbey” and trying to breathe out of one nostril, Kleenex in hand, waiting on a return call from the air conditioning people. When it rains, it pours... 

Since my head is sorta fuzzy from cold meds and lack of sleep (the Princess and I slept on the couch), I am hoping what I write today will make good sense. I am not certain it will, but I’m gonna give a good ole try...

What is your vision? Where will it take you? What goals have you set to make it attainable? I have been thinking about vision a lot lately, and I’ve discovered a few things:  

1.  A vision is never fully appreciated by anyone other than the vision caster. No one is going to catch your vision like you do. Expect it and don’t worry about it. It’s your vision. No one else can be expected to have the enthusiasm you do for it.  

2.  A vision is nebulous until it’s developed. It starts out vaguely, usually with an idea or a stirring  in the heart.  It’s our job to take that vision, mold it, nurture it, develop it, and see it through to completion. 

3. A vision comes with obstacles. As sure as there is a godly vision, there will be ungodly obstacles. These can take many forms. Don’t let that discourage you. Formulate effective strategies and work the plan.  

4.  A vision transforms your thinking. Visions give you new perspectives on every aspect of your life. They are game changers. Visions come in the form of the quarterback who spends the extra hour on the field practicing the “Hail, Mary.” Or the young, single mother awake at midnight, studying for final exams to make a better life for herself and her child. Or the senior who leaves their corporate job to start a less demanding career at age 60. Or even the child who tries to convince their mother for one more piece of candy. These are all examples of transformational vision. 

5. A vision helps keep the spirit alive. The Bible tells us that people perish for lack of vision. Without hope, without a true vision, people get discouraged, disheartened and even depressed. If everyone keeps their heads down and  slogs along in life, there is no impetus to hope for a brighter future or better days ahead. Don’t let this be you! 

May God give you His vision today!