Inspire
Today’s post is on the prompt, “inspire“. I’m joining some fine folks at Five Minute Friday to write for five minutes, adding my (mostly) unedited thoughts to the variety of writing of many other bloggers today. Join me as we pause, write and/or read today.
*****
When I browse for the meaning of “inspire”, I find it rather inspirational.
According to the dictionary, one of the meanings of “inspire” is:
“fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative”
It comes from a Latin word, meaning “breath or blow into” or “to infuse (with something, such as life) by breathing“, and was originally used of a divine or supernatural being.
I know that for me, many things inspire me.
Nature, for sure, is one of my main sources of inspiration, and worship music, to be sure.
When I take the opportunity to simply soak in the beauty around me, I find my soul replenished.
On a recent vacation, just being out in nature, especially on the water, was incredibly peaceful and inspiring. It made me catch my breath on many an occasion. It’s inspiring to stop & observe God’s handiwork.
When I see the result of someone’s creativity, or especially when I apply my own imagination and talent to a work of art or a craft of some sort, I feel inspired.
In a church service, when we are singing praises to God or listening to good teaching that encourages our spirits and enlightens our minds, I also find inspiration.
When I’m sitting in the quiet, whether at my computer desk with a cup of warm coffee nearby, at a lakeside or on a mountain trail, or enjoying the crackle and warmth of a fire, I feel a peace that inspires.
It’s amazing to see a person acting in their God-given talents and abilities, whether it be preaching or singing in church, creating art, or simply building, teaching, planning, helping, cooking, serving, encouraging or loving others.
I love to be inspired, and pray that my life will bring at least some small inspiration to others.
When we tap into the deepest places within us and share it with others, it can be life-giving both to us and to those around us.
If we take the time to stop, look and listen to the world around us, whether it be in a wilderness or nature setting, or in the middle of a crowd of unique individuals, we will find inspiration.
Let’s be intentional about setting aside the time and space we need to be inspired.
Let’s be open to sharing our lives and our hearts with those around us.
Life is so much more full when we inspire and are ourselves inspired.
*****
What do you find inspiring? Do you find yourself inspiring others, either intentionally or without knowing it? How can we purpose ourselves to both give and receive inspiration?