“And your ears shall hear a word behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ when you would turn to the right or the left” (Isaiah 30:21).
I was an executive assistant for over 10 years in a major finance company. I heard a lot about setting goals but not a lot about why. Reaching your goals is a battle if you don’t know what you’re aiming for or why you’re working so hard. Working toward your goals with a picture in mind—your vision—aligns your actions to what’s important to you.
Companies have vision statements, and you can have a vision for your own life, no matter what your vocation or state in life is. For some, talking about creating a vision can feel too loosey goosey or overwhelming. Some may have too many ideas and a hard time narrowing them down. But we know that if we accomplish anything, it’s only through God—so He is where we need to begin.
Follow Mary and Jesus
How do you create a vision for your life with God? In order for us to get to know the heart of the Father, in His loving mercy and great wisdom, He’s given us Our Lady, Mary who points us to her Son, Jesus. Jesus always brings us to the Father.
During Jesus’ agony in the garden, He was conformed to the Father’s Will. His prayer in that moment was draining, to the point of sweating blood, and He knew that what He would face physically, spiritually, and mentally would be even harder. Still, He was clear on His vision, or mission: to bring all us to the Father (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46).
While most of us may not be called upon to be literally crucified, our work is always meant for the good of the other and to give glory to God. It will take all of your strength physically, spiritually, and mentally to reach your vision. You can’t get there alone; you have to do this work with the Father. The good news is, “nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37).
You may not have a moonlit garden to retreat to and pray with the Father, but you do have Adoration, your favorite church, or your favorite spot outside to visit and make room to recollect, receive, and respond in the direction God is calling you.
Look Inside Your Heart
As a dreamer, sometimes, I’m tempted to do things because they sound fun, so I have to ground myself in my vision. As a result, I’ve come up with a simple way to create a vision for your life. Take some time alone with your journal and favorite beverage to ponder where God is calling you and what you desire in these four chambers of your heart:
Spirituality: your relationship with God and how it is the foundation for all that you do.
Home: your relationships and the beauty and purpose found inside the walls where you live, love, and work.
Rest: the ways you restore and renew your mind, body, and spirit.
Vocation: your identity, calling, and obligations in the body of Christ.
Just like our physical hearts, if the upper chambers (spirituality and home) are closed, the lower chambers (rest and vocation) can’t pump out to the body.
Step Out in Faith
Now that you’ve created a vision for your life with God, it’s time to take action. Give yourself a heart check-up based on what you just pondered. Take a look at where you are right now in relation to that vision. What needs to change, what needs to stop, or what needs to start? Now, break those changes down into smaller steps. Those steps are your goals.
Remember: Confidence, momentum, and inspiration come after you take the first step, not when you’re overthinking your whole vision. You already pondered with God; now, it’s time to walk in faith with Him alongside you. I pray that you work hard in silence, so you can hear the Lord’s direction, and let success be your noise.
Liz Montigny is a recovering boss-babe, practicing Catholic, wife, boy mom to three, coach, and creator of a theatre ministry based on the Rosary. You can work with Liz 1:1, inside her membership community, or join her on her destination retreat, Spark. Check out Liz’s services here.
