Get Your Eyes Checked

Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. Matthew 6:22

Vision.

We talked generally about it from day one as we gathered in the spring for meetings and workouts, and then more specifically and intentionally as we began minicamps and headed toward training camp in July.

Vision makes a critical difference in the outcome of games. Do we have a clear picture and understanding of where we are going? And even if it is clear, are distractions and misdirections muddying that clear vision of where we are going and what we are trying to achieve?

Think of the times you’ve seen a basketball team play better at home than on the road. Certainly, the support of the fans plays a big part, but so do the sight lines, particularly around the basket. When the opponents shoot, the fans waving frantically behind the Plexiglas backboard can be a huge distraction. A few years back, the NCAA Men’s Final Four was held at the New Orleans Superdome, and some of the players never got used to seeing the giant video screens while they were shooting, clearly visible through the backboard.

Similarly in baseball, hitters can be affected and distracted by the background in center field behind the pitcher or with any shadows creeping across the infield as the sun sets on late-afternoon games.

What about our godly vision? How difficult is it for us to keep it clear and focused? Do we see the impact God intends for us to have, and are we following the vision He has placed before us?

Our vision is influenced by how we see the world. Do we see it through the lens of the hope and joy that our faith in Christ brings? Do we see it through the lens that knows we’ll be in heaven for eternity, that our potential in God’s hands is unlimited, and that the challenges of the moment are but a blink of an eye in eternity? Or do we see the world through a lens of fear and despair and see our potential as limited? I pray not.

What is your vision? Can you see the clear path God has set before you? Can you see past the distractions to where God is directing you? May your answers be yes, but make sure you have regular checkups.

Uncommon Key > Write down what you believe God’s vision for you is. Then write down the distractions you already know or that you anticipate hindering your achievement of the goal. Work to shorten the list of distractions and expand the vision.

From the book