The Curse of Vision
Some people only see what is in front of them. They enjoy their lives in twenty-four hour periods that should be filled with whatever is necessary at any given moment.
Others see the horizon. Time is like an endless canvas and hope is their paint. They see what could be and work tirelessly to help others envision possibility.
Neither of these are better or worse than the other. Both can be dangerous.
The person of great vision is confined by their abilities (or lack of them) and is often in a state longing. They are required to fight for their vision – constantly in tension with what is here and what is yet to come.
The other can become paralyzed by apathy, immediate satisfaction, or self-absorption. Thinking of the future seems frivolous and talks of change are foolish.
Vision in small glimpses leads nowhere and in excess is disorienting. You must take the time to see what is here now, and celebrate it. However, you must also look to tomorrow and notice the vast expanse that time offers to build and improve the world around you.
Learning to see both reminds you that today’s decisions have the great power of shaping what tomorrow will become.