2009 – Vision

First off, Happy New Year!

Like most, as the year ends we begin to look forward to the new year and begin to make plans, set-up goals (aka new year resolutions) and dream of what the new year will bring. 2008 was a year of change and 2009 will be no different, not in the sense of moving or taking on new challenges, but of growth and refinement. 2008 really questioned and challenged me in every area of my life and I feel that 2009 will be the year that I act on and change certain things in my life that God has showed me; as a husband, father, leader and most importantly, disciple of Christ.

Recently, Summit Church had to move their office space. As we were moving people were getting rid of books they no longer wanted or needed. There was a box with several copies of “Chazown” from Craig Groeschel. Chazown is Hebrew for Vision and the book is based on Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people will perish”. I began to think about the word vision. To have vision is to have focus. Most churches do not have a vision. They may have a vision statement, but it is nothing more than that, a statement, something that was written long ago and easily forgotten. One of the things that impressed me about Summit Church was there sense of vision. Summit is truly focused and moved by their mission and vision for SW Florida: that every man, woman, and child would have a repeated opportunity to see, hear, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything they do, every decision they have to make, is based on the mission and vision they believe God has called them to.

As I think of my life, I begin to wonder what the vision for it is. Without vision I am just wandering on earth, without clear direction or focus. Of course I know I am child of God, a disciple of Christ, but what is my personal “chazown” for the life that God has blessed me with. I feel that 2009 will be the year that makes certain things in my life clear: my role as a husband and father, my ministry and my gifts and calling.

I will continue to update what I will be learning in this year as God makes clear my direction and “chazown” for my life. For now I leave you with a great prayer I found in the book from Sir Francis Drake.

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to it’s shore. Disturb us.”

~ by Michael Girado on January 6, 2009.