For the last three weeks at The Water’s Edge, I have been talking about developing a 20/20 vision for our lives. Who do you want to be by the end of the year? What is something you feel led to do before hanging a new calendar on the wall in just over eleven months? We aren’t going to accidently arrive at becoming the best version of ourselves or stumble upon doing our most desired and essential tasks without a response to such questions. Success isn’t possible without developing a clear vision first.
We have looked at ten formational and guiding principles to developing a 20/20 vision:
- Feed your focus. Starve your distractions.
- Commit to your dreams. Stop caving into comfort.
- Plagiarizing dreams is the slowest and most painful way live and die.
- We are a product of our past, but we don’t have to be captives of it.
- Being a people pleaser and a dream chaser are not compatible.
- Jesus teaches us about crafting our vision when He teaches us to pray: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
- You are not an accident. You are here today for a purpose.
- Discipline is the bridge you must cross to turn your dreams into reality.
- If you can accomplish your vision on your own then it’s not big enough.
- A vision isn’t what you see in your sleep. A vision doesn’t let you sleep.
We looked at six characteristics of a strong vision. The best visions are: 1) exciting, 2) realistic, 3) short, 4) memorable, 5) specific, and 6) success is definable.
I asked us to come up with two 20/20 visions. One is a spiritual vision. One that moves us closer to God. And one other vision: physical, emotional, relational, financial, whatever.
I completed the reflection worksheet, drafted a number of possible 20/20 visions, and came up with the following two 20/20 visions.
My spiritual 20/20 vision is:
I will read the New Testament and journal my reflections.
The New Testament has 260 chapters. That is one chapter a day, five days a week. I love reading and writing. I’m excited to take this journey with God. I’ve failed at similar attempts before, but this is doable. I’m going to create time and space to make this happen. I’m bought this handy New Testament Journal to make it happen. I’ll be an improved version of me when I pull this off and that’s a good thing.
My “other” 2020 vision is:
I will finish writing “Trampled by Geese” and publish it as a book and small group curriculum.
I had other choices. Hopefully I’ll exercise a little more this year and spend more time with the family—but this one will force me to eliminate distractions, stop caving into comfort, claim God’s promise that I am here for a purpose, and embrace humility by depending on others. This one will be more challenging, require great discipline, and require me to occasionally say “no” to some good people and projects–but I’ll rest well when the assignment is complete.
I want to know what your 20/20 visions are. WE have a form for you to fill out so that you can share yours with us. WE want to pray for you and encourage you. I can’t wait to see what you are dreaming about and take this 20/20 journey with you.
