During Stake Conference recently, the visiting general authority asked us what our "vision" was for ministering. To me, it looks like friendship. It looks like taking the time to get to know someone well enough that you get a sense for what they like, what they do, what they need, etc. The Stake President applied D&C 4 (the "missionary" section) to ministering - we need to thrust in our sickles, use all our heart, mind, and might in this work. I really liked that comparison.
The Stake President's wife also spoke briefly about her "vision" of ministering, and really focused on that word in particular. What is a vision? To her, it is to try to see from the beginning to the end. To appreciate the goal! This reminds me of having an eye single to the glory of God - having His "vision."
I've thought about this concept beyond ministering. What is my vision for my family? Businesses frequently have "vision statements." What would ours be? I've talked to some of my high-school-aged nieces and nephews a bit about their "five-year-plans." But hearing about their plans for college and work really made me think about my 5-year plan... I don't really have "career" goals within these next 5 years. Of course, there are Brett's career goals, but I can't do much about those. So my vision focuses on my family. If I could see inside my home 5 years in the future, what would I see if things continue as they are now? Is that what I want? What is it that I do want? What can I change/do now to get to that "vision."
Without too much embarrassing detail, I know that where we are now is not where I want to be in 5 years.
Don't get me wrong! My marriage is great! Could we use some more time/money for dates? SURE!
My relationship with my kids... um... yeah... not as great. I frequently compare myself to all the "super moms" that I en"vision" doing everything right in every situation. Their kids never talk back, are eager to please, and always want to stop what they're doing and cheerfully do a chore. Those kids give their moms time to exercise and meal plan (which is why they feel comfortable wearing yoga pants and tank tops everywhere they go). And speaking of meal plans, those kids must like to eat healthy food and never turn their noses up at something. They never scream for more screentime or complain about not knowing when someone is going to invite them over to their house, or hate everything about everything (for 30 minutes, and then be just fine for another 30 minutes before exploding about something different). The vision I have for their lives is so different from the one I feel like I'm living.
So what's my vision...
Everyone wants to be home. I still love going home - I still like being the kid at my parent's house. I want my kids to want to come home. I want them to want to play with each other more than with anyone else. I want them to treasure time playing, talking, singing, laughing. I want them to tell me when something is bothering them. I want them to sit at the bottom of my bed and tell me something amazing from their day. I want them to tell me about some insight they had in the scriptures. I want them to teach me some cool new thing that I never learned when I was in school. I want them to want to help each other - to be each other's best friends. I want them to love hanging out in the backyard, swinging, giggling, maybe playing with a dog (shhhh... don't tell Brett I have a dog in my vision... a sweet-tempered border collie of course).
Some days I catch a glimpse of my vision, but right now it seems very blurry and unattainable. One of my hopes for this blog is that I'll document more of the positive, progressive steps that I sure hope are happening but have a hard time seeing at the moment.
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