"I really can't explain it," she said in genuine sincerity. "It's like your book is hospitality in book form. I sensed my value in the eyes of God as I read it."
When she said those words my heart melted and leapt simultaneously. It was exactly what I had been praying for, but there was no way she could have known it. Her words triggered my brain to remember a life-mission statement I had crafted in my journal only six months prior.
"I want to help value and purpose collide in people's lives, making a difference in eternity."
In all honesty, I had a difficult time dwindling down a life statement into a sentence or two. A plethora of noble ideas whirled in my brain so fast it was hard to categorize the most important. A significant amount of those ideas revolved around accomplishments done during my lifetime, tasks I would do for God. But in the end the thoughts that rose above the whirlwind were those encompassing who I was, not what I would do.
"I want to demonstrate a simplistic life of integrity and contentment, exemplified by faith in God, consistant obedience and continual growth in my love for Him and others."
I could write more. I could write a novel centering around my desire to become a woman of joy and lavish generosity—deeply rooted in Jesus. Or my unwavering hope to be a vessel that carries God's presence—permeating my everyday world. Or how I ache to be fully present in my friendships and with my family. Or how I'm committed to prioritize my top three values in life: God, Milan, and the girls.
I don't know if it's possible to write everything down that your heart desires for this year—but I do know this: asking God for clarity of vision is never a wasted effort. The Bible says in Habakuk 2:2 to,
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
There's value found in vision. Vision gives you clarity on the road ahead. It helps assist you in decision making as to what you say yes to and what you say no to. It's almost as if heavenly vision serves as God-gifted boundaries for your life. And it doesn't stop there. Vision helps usher you out of uncertainty and instability. It helps you run confidently concise. I makes you stronger because you know Whose vision you're running after—God's vision for your life.
As the new year has begun I'm taking time in January to ask God to re-align my vision with His. I don't know about you, but as we approach our two year mark of the COVID epidemic blazing through our nation, I'm in need of a fresh move of God. Fresh vision. Clarity of vision. Fresh hope. New beginnings. All beautifully laced with an inner determination of steadfast obedience.
God wants to breathe fresh vision into your heart for 2022. If you ask Him, He will graciously reveal His heart for you.
"My prayer is that God removes the cobwebs we are accustom to that veil our sight—replacing them with crystal-like clarity. As you seek Him for this new year, may you find Him to be everything your heart could desire ... and more."
PS. Your One Life by Lance Witt is a book I'd recommend for 2022. I just read through it and it's a perfect book for January. It talks about clarity and calling in an enjoyable way. Check it out on Amazon.
Photo Credit: Emre Can Acer
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