I came across this quotation from Henri Nouwen that was share by Mike Todd. I am convinced we so underestimate the power of vision and the role vision plays in leadership in the classroom with our students, the principal's office, the district office. Vision sets the tone, the attitude, the space in which the human spirit will thrive or wither.

Energizing Visions are the great visions of the ultimate peace among all people and the ultimate harmony of all creation just utopian fairy tales? No, they are not! They correspond to the deepest longings of the human heart and point to the truth waiting to be revealed beyond all lies and deceptions. These visions nurture our souls and strengthen our hearts. They offer us hope when we are close to despair, courage when we are tempted to give up on life, and trust when suspicion seems the more logical attitude. Without these visions our deepest aspirations, which give us the energy to overcome great obstacles and painful setbacks, will be dulled and our lives will become flat, boring, and finally destructive. Our visions enable us to live the full life.”"

[Via: Energizing Visions.]