This past Saturday I was at a mini retreat for an organization I am involved in, and we worked to develop a mission statement for our work. During our discussion, we talked about how a mission statement is different from a vision statement. A vision statement is the overarching meaning of an organization’s purpose or of one’s life, while a mission statement is the road map that leads to tasks or objectives to make that vision come true. On the drive home, I thought a lot about my vision statement; in fact, I am still working through it. I realized that I have a different vision statement for different aspects of my life, and while complimentary, they are also unique to each part of who I am.
Over the years, I have volunteered as an assistant wrestling coach at local high schools. One coach, in particular, did a great job of having his student-athletes write down their goals/vision for the year, and when it came time for the end-of-year tournaments, he would have them revisit those goals and visualize how they might achieve them. For some, it was to make it to the state tournament, while for others, it was to get in shape and have fun. Some achieved their visions – some did not. I asked one particularly good wrestler why his vision did not come true, and he said, “I had too many other things getting in the way.” I sympathized with him; I know how it is to have a dream that gets derailed by other events and people. When that happens, we either give up or we shift gears and go a different way. Our route might change, but the future is still there.
Proverbs 29, in some interpretations, says, “Without a vision, the people will perish.” Most interpretations believe this to mean obedience to God or prophecy. For today’s thought’s purpose, I think it is a reminder that we all need to have a dream for ourselves. We all need to have a vision of what our life could or should be, or we end up floating in the wind with no direction. For me, a vision has a redemptive, generous core. It is a way to see how all of us can make a positive impact on those around us. I can’t imagine having a vision statement that is selfish or narcissistic, but I know that some people do. So, I will ask you to consider yourself – What’s your vision? How do you define you? Are you living it?
Prayer – Holy God, You have given us the freedom to live generously or live selfishly. May our vision of ourselves fit into Your needs for the world. Amen.
Today’s art is “Cherish a Beautiful Vision” by John Riggs.