Strategic planning often divides on the willingness of a cause to think beyond the horizon line.  If you take a road trip and plan to drive 300 miles the first day, that is the equivalent of an operational plan.  You can reach the goal with a sense of certainty.  You can plan the stops and even calculate the amount of gas you need.  If you plan to go from Maine to Anchorage, then you have to assume a strategic view.  You can estimate the number of days, the possible routes, and some resources required.  You also have the option of considering different modes of transportation (boat, plane, train, bike).  

It is easy to schedule a 300 mile day trip.  It takes courage to launch for distant shores.  But the ability to steer your cause towards the destination is what makes your purpose meaningful both in a day-to-day measurement and throughout the journey.

Image planning to put a rail line across the continent.  That was a strategic initiative.  You knew the destination but encountered many unknowns along the way.  A certain destination kept the purpose clear throughout a very challenging task.