30 days is a long time, and yet on the other hand it is not. In 30 days you can form a new habit, and in 30 days or less a leader can lose their vision, their passion, and fall smack into a wall. I have been there myself – this is not just a theory, it is reality.
While I have read numerous books on vision and passion I still see how in real life, especially in living missionally and incarnationally, it is easy for leaders to struggle, hit the wall and look up too dazed to see their vision.
What do you do when you lose your vision? Or when someone you work with shares with you that they have lost their vision? The most powerful thing for me is to take a prayer retreat. Now since I’m a high D on the DiSC assessment—I need some action plans and goals. My prayer retreat may only require me to spend a half of a day out with the Lord. For others it may be better to spend a weekend. Whatever method works for you – do it. Your vision is too important to lose.
As one whose D couldn’t find its way out of a wet paper bag, I too need intentional, sustained time with God–but not with plans and goals. Not yet, at least. I just need time with God, and a prayer retreat gives me permission to have it. A prayer retreat reminds me that God is present and active in my life and in the world, and that–for me–refreshes my vision. I can, though, knock it out in half a day. So there.
I agree with the importance of spending time to deepen my personal relationship with God. It’s good to slow down and experience God. I set aside times for this regularly.
I’ve learned the importance of listening prayer in my planning. In 3-4 hours, I could easily map out more projects than could be done in 10 lifetimes. So it is crucial for me to hear from God the specific assignments he has for me to do.
Slowing down to listen to God allows me to focus on the few really important things — so I can fulfill my contribution to the advance of God’s kingdom.