“Where there is no vision, the people perish:
but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
Proverbs 29:18
As we continue to hold in prayer those on the East Coast affected by the devastating floods from hurricane Florence, I am reminded of my experience of a major hurricane in South Florida. Power lines were down, streets were blocked by fallen trees and days went by with no electricity. Moreover, food and water were quickly running out. Yet, what stands out was how the community came together to support each other through the crisis. People who did not know one another came from miles around to help. Neighbors who seldomly interacted with each other worked together as if they were a close-knit clan.
It is not unusual that when faced with a crisis we work together to accomplish what seems impossible. But how do we carry that greatness into our everyday lives? The answer lies in having a compelling vision to pull us from where we are to where we can be.
We may think that the splendor of vision is something that is only available to a select group, but we all have the ability to step into the unique vision Spirit has in store for us. It does not have to be some huge outer accomplishment and is often only a matter of paying attention to the simple things in life, like expressing more of who you really are and what your heart’s desire is. Do you wish for greater peace of mind? Would you like to move from hurt to joy? Would you like to be free from worry and fear? Fulfilling these desires makes a difference for you and leaves a positive impression on those who cross your path. It ignites something in them to also want to be, do and express more of who they have come here to be.
When we hear the phrase that it is God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom, we know that the so-called kingdom is not some far off place. It is here and now. We fully experience that kingdom of ever-expanding good when we envision it above all else. A vision is something that is so clear in our mind that we not only see it in our imagination, but also feel it in our heart. It serves as a road map for a successful life. It can pull us forward in ways that confound our human understanding. Our job is not necessarily to make the vision happen but to make it welcome by embodying it, taking the steps toward it, and knowing that the great God of this magnificent universe will provide what we need along the way.
Early in the morning or late at night, when everything is still, lowly listen. It is in those moments the vision that is just for you will reveal itself. As Mahatma Gandhi noted, “God speaks to us every day only we don’t know how to listen.”
Listen. Be captured by a vision and watch the magic happen.
Peace and Blessings,
James