Encouragement Series: Vision

What do you think about when you hear the word "vision?" Do you think about your eyesight? Most people do, but the truth is that we don't see with our eyes, we see through them. Webster defines "vision" as:

: the act or power of imagination b (1) : mode of seeing or conceiving (2) : unusual discernment or foresight... something seen in a dream, ... a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation

"Vision" is the most important part of making your dreams come true! And yet, it is often overlooked. Never forget that you can only go where you can "see." Here's a few notes from Dr. John Maxwell that speaks to the value of vision (I've edited the copy to speak directly to you and your life).

1. VISION CHALLENGES PEOPLE
A vision doesn't look at the available resources and asks, "what can be done with them?" It sees the potential and issues the challenge. That means, you should never look at the distance between you and your goal. Instead, you should focus on "seeing" yourself at the finish line!

2. VISION SOLVES PROBLEMS
If a problem is bigger than your dreams, it will stop you. But, if your vision is greater you will find a way to overcome it. You've probably heard it said that obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. If your vision is clear, problems are only speed bumps on your road to personal fulfillment.

3. VISION ATTRACTS WINNERS
A Prime Minister of France once said, "If you are doing big things, you attract big people. If you are doing little things, you attract little people." The scope of your vision determines the stature of the people around you.

4. VISION SUPPLIES ENERGY
Do you know why so many successful people are visionaries? Because vision gives people a drive to succeed. Someone once said that only he who sees the invisible can do the impossible.

Where is your vision carrying you? Do you have a vision of where you want to be in 10, 20, 30, and 50 years from now? If not, now's a good time to start! Make a commitment this month to sit down, pray, daydream, and write down the type of life you want to live 10 to 50 years from now.

I promise you that not only will this exercise prove to be one of the most rewarding you've ever done, but it will also help you create a compelling vision for your life that will propel you closer to your dreams materializing than you've ever imagined possible. You ultimately fulfilling your heart's desires depends upon what you can see, not with your eyes, but with your heart!