Inspiration
Author: The Rev. Dr. David L. Bridges, Priest
May 21, 2020
As I sit at
my desk hoping for inspiration to write this article, I realize that is what I
should write about; Inspiration. Webster’s Dictionary defines it, in part, as:
“An awakening, quickening, or creative impulse, especially as manifested in
artistic achievement.”
Yes,
that is what I am looking for … inspiration! What is it that inspires us? Some
say they feel a rush of positive energy, or a deep calming when they are
inspired. I believe inspiration gives us purpose and new insights.
Zig Ziglar
used to tell a story about a man that came home from work and his partner asked
him to help out in the kitchen. The man complained that he was just too tired
to help. A few moments later the phone rang and the man heard the voice of his
best friend say, “Hey buddy, I just got us a tee time at that new golf course,
but we have to be there in 30 minutes. Are you up for it?” The man jumps to his
feet and runs to change clothes and grab his golf clubs.
What
happened? A spark of new energy, or inspiration, hit and suddenly the man is no
longer too tired. It happens to all of us. Some people hate to clean house, but
when someone important is coming over, they suddenly find the inspiration to
clean.
We
all get into a “rut” sometimes. But, you can’t let yourself get too comfortable
with the rut because a “rut” is nothing more than a grave with both ends
kicked-out! What inspires you? That can be a most difficult question. Perhaps
the beauty of a sunset or sunrise? Perhaps a beautiful piece of music? How
about the laughter of a child? No matter who we are, there is something that
can inspire us.
Consider
another meaning of “inspiration”; to “breathe in”. We can breathe-in the things
that inspire us to achieve or create. How about fresh morning air or the
oxygen-rich air of the forest? The Genesis story in the Bible tells us that God
breathed the breath of life into Adam and Eve and they became living souls.
I
believe God can breathe into us whatever we need. You may not believe or
understand that principle, but I can testify to the powerful inspiration of
God. I may feel my spirit dragging from time to time, but then a new breath of
inspiration hits me and I have new energy. It is a cycle of life; sometimes we
are on top of the mountain, and sometimes we are low in the valley.
If you need
inspiration, step out of the ordinary and try something new. Find those things
that give you confident hope and positive drive. Look for opportunities to
offer inspiration to others at the same time. We are building a new world after
the pandemic. Think of the possibilities!
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