Reciprocal Inspiration

Inspire: to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural; to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on.

                As I have been reflecting on what inspiring looks like the past week, I have realized that it has to be reciprocal. I can’t simply seek to influence those around me—I have to take time to be poured into so I have something to give.

 My church has been focusing on fasting this month and one thing that I realized as I took 24 hours away from social media/internet/television and from carbohydrates, was just how busy and cluttered my day is when I fill it with the hollow entertainment of television and how much more prone I am to get myself into a “comparison riddled despair” when I compare everyone else’s “highlight reel on facebook” to my own behind the scenes. That’s not healthy…I also was reminded of the precious children I know by name who may not have a single decent meal in a week—and just how insanely blessed I am to live in a country of abundance.

In light of those reflections, I wanted to share a few of the things that inspire me. In no particular order—here goes:

Reading—anything by C.S. Lewis, John Piper, or Jan Karon (see the Mitford series),of course, the Bible

Nature—taking a walk, watching a sunset, or simply staring at a flower longer than 2 seconds can be such a refreshing thing to do. I want to commit to do more of this.


Creating—writing, painting, making “do it yourself” decorating projects


Listening—to my Savior as he writes his words on my heart, speaks them through my circumstances, or shows me in the love of friends and family. Especially to a good friend over a cup of coffee or tea at unique "hole in the wall" place around Seattle
 

My job—working with Children with special needs is SO inspiring—there’s nothing quite like the triumphant smile or the shared joy that comes from seeing a child be able to do something they couldn’t the day before.


Today, before heading into a very busy week—the first full scheduled week since returning from Kenya, I want to remember that while inspiration takes time, it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

 

What inspires you?