Vision Boards

On a January evening, a dozen women gathered to create vision boards to enhance our intentions for the new year. My daughter invited me to attend with her. We took our scissors and some magazines and went to enjoy a women’s night out together. I had read about the concept of vision boards but had not previously made one. At our friend’s home, we were supplied with a large piece of folded cardboard and various markers, tape, and stamps, besides some healthy snacks. We introduced ourselves around the large table. Then we were instructed to quickly think of a word to exemplify the next year and use that for the basis of all we added to our boards. I chose the word “Comfortable” to write across both sides of my board and started to look for pictures and words to add below.

Although I wasn’t highly charged about this exercise, I found words and pictures that spoke to me: a cruise ship, a pretty room with a fireplace, some sheep, Bible verses, quotes, and phrases. I found words: “Here We Go!” “Live Your Best Life,” “Your Future Just Got More Beautiful,” “Stay Brain Fit,” “Age Perfect,” “Delight in the Details,” etc. I colored some flower designs and finished early, watching others create with determination.

After several hours of cutting, pasting, writing, and talking, we completed the evening by explaining our boards. Women of varying ages expressed many thoughts about starting a new job or business. They also shared weight changes, desires for a special vacation, or becoming content. Before we left, we were encouraged to take photos of our boards. We were to report back in a few months to see how our lives reflected our boards.

Comfort-Able

When I shared my board, I noticed how the word “Comfortable” broke with “Comfort” on the left side and “Able” on the right side of the board. My first thought on the vision board might have been to reach this age when I feel comfortable in my skin and with my own decisions. However, the double meaning is essential to my sense of purpose. As a counselor, Christian, mother, and grandmother, I certainly desire to be able to bring comfort to others. Comfort-able.

I greatly appreciate the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. I have often used them in my writing and teaching. We serve a God of all comfort, and he comforts us so that we can comfort others. “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows,” verse 5 (NIV).

The vision board is like an illustration of our mission statements at a point in time. Goals, likes, dreams, and intentions can be visualized and expressed. And when we create boards with others, it bonds us in commitment and accountability!

I like the verse on the upper left-hand corner of my board, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). That is comfortable.

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. What would be the word at the top of your vision board right now?

2. Think about the application of a vision board for a group: your family or spouse, your team at work, your Bible study class or fellowship, etc., and what a vision board could look like.

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Karen Spruill writes from Florida.