We all experience those “perishable” moments, like cleaning out the fridge and coming across an item we now can’t identify. Then there is mailing the package at the post office and having to answer a long list of questions on the nature of the contents. “Is there anything perishable in this package?”

There are a lot of “perishable” moments in our daily lives. But I want to talk about a non-perishable vision; the one that never fails or withers away. Proverbs 29:18a says, “Where there is no vision the people perish (the people will throw off all restraint)”. We need to maintain a spiritual vision. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” John 20:1-9 records the events of resurrection day. Peter and John ran to the tomb to see if Christ were there. The other disciple (John) outran Peter and, stooping down looked in and saw the linen clothes lying without Christ in them. The word “saw” here means he saw with the eyes; he noticed. Peter then followed him, and verse 6 says that he saw the linen clothes lying there. This word “saw” in the Greek, means “paid attention to”. Then the other disciple (who had already looked) looked again. The Greek word “saw” here, in verse 8, means he “saw with understanding”. He understood who Christ was, and He is risen: seeing God with our hearts being enlightened.

I was watching a program in which this lady told how in her young life she went to jail. While in jail, she realized that there had to be more to life than this. I don’t know that she is a believer, but the principles are still true. She shared that she began to put a vision board together. On this board, she put things she cut out; pictures, words, goals, and dreams. She put them all around this board. She looked at it every day to remind her of where she was going in her life.

The thought came to me; “What if I made a spiritual vision board?” It challenged me to think of what I would put on my spiritual vision board. I guess this is similar to resolutions, goals, dreams, to do list. But if we put these things where we can see them daily, understand them, this could have a huge impact on our lives! I would see it every day and get a glimpse of what I desire for my spiritual life. I want to be inspired.

My board might look like this: pictures of books to read (if you have ever seen the movie “Emma” by Jane Austin, you know she is always starting but never finishing a book). Sad to say, this is my situation! On the board could be words like memorize Scripture, be more loving towards others, compassion, better prayer life. Then the dreams: a picture of England – I’ve always wanted to go: inspire; to inspire other people around me.

You do not have to make an actual board. Maybe they are just filed away in your mind. But we need a non-perishable vision for our lives. What would be on your board? 1 Peter 1:3 and 4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you.” This truth is non-perishable!

Whether your board is an actual board, or just a mental picture, we should examine our spiritual vision every day. One of my favorite hymns says it all.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best thought by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Pam Cavanaugh