I love the start of a new year. For me personally, it’s a time to take stock of my life and where necessary, resolve to make some changes. I’ve found that the best way to do that is to use my personal vision statement as the standard by which I measure my performance over the past year.
My personal vision statement is “To glorify God by helping and serving any individual, group, or organization—to enhance or grow their lives to be successful.” As I strive to do this every day, it gives my life purpose. I believe God created this vision for me just as He does for all His children.
If you don’t have a personal vision statement, I would encourage you to make that your first resolution for the new year—and put it in writing. Vision statements direct and guide our lives. They remind us why we exist. Having a clear vision of what we are called to do and be helps us live the way God intended us to live.
If you seek God’s voice and pay attention, I believe He will give you a vision for what He wants from your life. One of my favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV): “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Imagine! God already has in mind exactly how He can use you for the sake of His kingdom.
Bethany’s vision is for every child to have a loving family. This ambitious vision unifies our entire organization and inspires our staff to serve more children. Our work is more than just a job when we commit to such a large and unselfish vision. We become enthusiastic when we see our colleagues working to accomplish this seemingly impossible goal. It also inspires our supporters, giving them a sense of pride in being able to share in this massive undertaking.
Skeptics tell us our vision will never be achieved. But setting your sights high lifts you to places where you may never have gone. Since Bethany has set this vision, we have seen many “impossibles” become reality. For example, the Chinese government, which once championed orphanages as the sole solution for abandoned children, now wants to expand the family-based services that Bethany has pioneered there. Many African governments have asked Bethany to take a lead role in assuring that poor and children with special needs are cared for in loving families. And the Christian community throughout the United States has rallied to help us provide homes for children through adoption or foster care.
When you have a clear vision of what God wants to do through you or your organization, you will be more engaged, inspired, and focused in your daily life. And you will be more productive in achieving that audacious goal that God has set before you.
Written By Bill Blacquiere
