Vision for the New Year

It started like so many evenings: Mom and Dad at home, and their son Jimmy playing outside after dinner. Each parent was absorbed in their tasks and didn’t notice the time slipping by. Jimmy’s mom glanced at the clock.

“Jimmy, it’s time to come in and get ready for bed.”

Jimmy went straight to his room. An hour or so later, Jimmy’s mother walked upstairs to check on him. To her astonishment, she found her son staring quietly out of his window at the moonlit scenery.

“What are you doing, Jimmy?”

“I’m looking at the moon, Mom.”

“Well, it’s time to go to sleep now.”

As Jimmy settled down, he said, “Mom, you know, one day I’m going to walk on that moon.”

Who could have known that the boy in whom the dream was planted that night would survive a near-fatal motorcycle crash that broke nearly every bone in his body? Yet, 32 years later, Jimmy Irwin brought that dream to fruition when he stepped onto the moon’s surface, one of just 12 representatives of the human race to have done so. Jimmy Irwin didn’t just have “eyesight”; he had “vision.”

The New Year has arrived. In reality, we often look back on the year behind us. Reflecting on the past is important; however, it is equally vital to look forward with vision, not just eyesight. Eyesight is the ability to see what is, but vision is the ability to see what could be through God’s purpose for your life.

Without vision, our lives can feel aimless, and our efforts futile. Vision brings clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose that empowers us to live intentionally. This New Year, let us not only walk into 2025 with open eyes but also with a clear vision inspired by God.

As you plan and prepare for 2025, carve out time to develop goals and action steps in key areas of your life:

1. Spiritual: Deepen your relationship with God. Set goals to spend more time in prayer, study His Word, and seek His guidance. Perhaps commit to reading through the Bible in 2025, journaling your prayers daily, or joining a weekly discipleship group.

2. Relational: Invest in the relationships God has given you. Reconcile broken ones, nurture your family, and foster friendships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability. Set a goal to regularly connect with loved ones or serve in your community.

3. Physical: Honor God with your body. Set attainable health goals, such as eating more balanced meals, exercising or walking regularly, and prioritizing rest. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Don’t abuse it (1 Corinthians 6:19).

4. Financial: Be a faithful steward of your resources. Develop a budget (save some, spend some, give some), work toward becoming debt-free, increase your giving to your church, and bless those who are in need. Trust God to provide what you need as you commit your finances to Him.

5. Occupational: Pursue excellence in your work. Whether you’re working in a corporate career, coaching, pro scouting, raising a family, or serving in ministry, ask God to help you align your efforts with His plan to glorify Him in all you do.

Listen Closely: Once your goals and action steps are written down for 2025, bring them before God in prayer. Ask for His wisdom to guide you, His strength to sustain you, and His blessings to multiply your efforts. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your action steps to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.”

Let your vision be rooted in His will and not merely in your desires. Surrender each goal, knowing that His plans are always better than your own. Trust that He will lead you into the abundant life He has promised (John 10:10).

This New Year, I challenge you to step boldly into your God-given vision with Jesus as your guide. Because having “eyesight” without “vision” is futile.

Blessings in 2025!