“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak …” – Habakkuk 2:3
Vision is seeing the future, which causes one to plan, act, and live accordingly. The bigger the vision, the more strategy needs to be implemented and enacted upon. The term “longtermism” suggests that we are motivated by ideas, hopes, dreams and prayers that shape the future, and give consideration to future generations.
The scripture tells us that “Where there is no vision, people cast off restraint.” – Prov. 29:18. This “casting off restraint” is what happens when someone is undertaking a task, and they stop trying to produce something of quality and worth. The reasoning is, “Who cares?” “It doesn’t matter,” or “What’s the use?”
Vision is never passive or apathetic. Vision realizes “I’m not living just for today, but for planning and preparing for the days ahead.” But vision sees a bright future and causes the “visioneer” to take action in pursuit of the fulfillment of the vision.
The Vision of Visingsö, Sweden
In the early 1800’s, Sweden suffered devastating losses in their military involvement in the Napoleonic wars. Their reigning king, Gustavus (1792-1809) was deposed, and Sweden barely survived as a nation maintaining it’s political sovereignty. With an attempt to rebuild their military might, the crown of Sweden sent out delegations in 1830, seeking suitable wood resources for shipbuilding, with the plan of developing the Swedish navy into a mighty branch of their military strength.
In a nationwide search, a group of emissaries found the island of Visingsö, a place where giant oaks were growing, which seemed perfect for shipbuilding according to Swedish standards. A giant oak and soil samples from the island were sent back to Stockholm, and the Royal Navy of Sweden were convinced that Visingsö possessed perfect soil and climate for the development of these huge oaks. During next ten years, 900 acres of land were developed with 300,000 oaks planted for the purpose of future lumber production for shipbuilding.
The Time Investment of Vision
Their price tag was the investment of time which was necessary for the fulfillment of their vision, reasoning that these oaks would be suitable for harvesting and milling into shipbuilding lumber only after 150 years of growth. Long before the time these oaks reached their maximum growth however, shipbuilding methods had changed. Ships were no longer constructed of oak, but were made a thick welded steel hulls. Military craft made out wood had been completely phased out.
Still, we must give kudos to the Swedish navy for their great vision! Today the island of Visingsö is filled with massive oaks, and stands as a testimony to vision. Today, tourists visit to the island to see the massive oak forest.
What is the Vision of Your Heart?
Spiritual vision is greater than this story, because it sees and embraces eternal values. Vision requires faith, passion, action, prayer, watching and waiting. May God give you a vision for your life and future, and the fulfillment of vision!
Photos: 1. https://pixabay.com/photos/binoculars-see-sharply-outlook-954021/ (Edits: Charles Curtis), 2. Photo by Charles Curtis
