What is VISION?

“…That you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things…” (Colossians 1:9 AMP)

Today, let’s look at an often over-used word in homeschooling circles: vision.  Sometimes we approach this word like it is a magical, mystical thing that only the “truly committed” ever achieve. Yet, we nod and smile like characters in the Emperor’s New Clothes claiming we “see it!”  However, when the rubber meets the road, and the lesson plan book lies open in front of us, we wonder why in the world we are doing this. That moment is what I’m writing this for; and for every moment when fatigue, frustration, and disillusionment settle in and you need a reason to keep it together one more day.

Now I realize, these days may be few and far between and I certainly don’t mean to over-dramatize the issue. But the truth of the matter is, vision is not some illusive aura out there that you have or you don’t. It is, simply stated, what you see for your future…and for your children’s future. It takes imagination to think about the future and imagine what it will be like. It takes effort to clearly define what we are hoping to accomplish from homeschooling. Vision is the expectation you carry…and what we believe for even when we can’t see it.

Second Corinthians 4:18 describes it here:
“…We consider and look not to the things which are seen but to the things that are unseen….”

My Pastor gave a great definition of vision; he said vision is the anointed imagination. Anointing is simply putting God’s Spirit on or in something. Think about that. We can ask God to fill our imaginations, our ideas, our vision with His Spirit. This should be the first thing we encourage new homeschoolers to do.

My “assignment” to you today is this: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop your vision for homeschooling. Write down any impressions you have. Start by writing down the three most important things you hope to accomplish through homeschooling. Ephesians 3:20 says “God can do exceedingly above and beyond all we could ask, think, or imagine.”  This means that on our own we can’t see what lies in store for our children. Thankfully, God can. And He has chosen home education to prepare them for what lies ahead. That is why we do what we do…

Prayer: Lord, we thank You that Your thoughts are higher than ours, and that Your vision for our family is not some elusive mystery. Reveal to us Your plan and purpose for our children and help us to get a real picture and a strong vision of what homeschooling can and will mean to our family today and in the future, in Jesus’ name, amen.