Vision and Expectations

Vision

Vision is the type of life we see for ourselves. If we do not see this new activity has something that fits in with our perceived vision, it will soon lose meaning, and you will not stay involved.  On a broader level, vision should be a way of looking at our life into a much larger context of looking back at things we should have done in comparison to things that we have done.  This could very well happen to you as you approach death. I have had pastoral care experience in dealing with “end of life” patients. One of the most common conversations I have had with them as they looked back on their own life and examine how they lived in comparison with the vision that had for them at the start.  Their disappointments developed because they lost sight of how they wanted to be, were sidetrack by many short term” needs and never got back on track, or they realized they were not going to live up to their own expectations, and just gave up. 

My recommendation is not to wait to life’s end to do this self examination. This is something that I would recommend doing on a periodic basis, to keep your life on track with what your own expectations. If you short term needs require you to make changes at least you will be aware, and make the changes intentionally.

Expectations

Any time we start something new, we set certain expectations for ourselves. If our past experience has been a positive one and this new change is not meeting our expectations, we will soon give it up. Often, the expectations are set by someone else. Not meeting these expectations becomes more hurtful as we begin to feel we not only let ourselves down, but others as well. (Many therapists have made a great living off of this issue) So we attempt to withdraw and find other reasons to not complete that new activity.

Outside of only attending worship services what activities would best fit my needs and interests as this point in my spiritual journey?

As you decided on what activities you wish to be involved ask yourself where you might belong in the level of spirituality that each requires.

My levels of Spiritual Involvement are:

Social

Social groups where friendship is made in a social or worship environment but does not require any statements of faith or force you to examine your own faith. These are very non threatening environments and can be men or women’s groups, church ushers, helping out in the office.

Getting Involved

The next level for me would be social groups that cause you to examine your faith in a very comfortable environment. Examples might be working with youth, Sunday school teachers, book clubs, outreach activities…..

Exploring Our Faith

The third level would be getting involved with activities that directly cause you to examine your own faith in a comfortable environment. These might be EFM, Bible Study groups, worship leaders…

Self Examination

The top level is when you begin examining your faith on a very personal level; which may include personal retreats, pastoral care, maybe going thought a discernment process to see where your gifts truly are. 

These are my levels, you definitions may differ, but however you define it, you must be comfortable with its parameters.  

After going through this discernment process, you then need to look at your schedule to fit around the activities you wish to participate.

Bill Monk

03/2007