Inspired.

Put simply, that's how I feel. There might be many things that I could attribute that fact to...the most obvious catalyst would be the impending closing of this year and start of another. However, I feel like this feeling of "inspiriation" has come more from my recent blog reading...catching up on blogs of some special people whose writings I have neglected in recent months...one blogger in particular, to remain anonymous for now.

When my precious daughter was born almost fourteen months ago (I know...where has the time gone, right?) I was blessed to be permitted to move to a part time work schedule, working just two days a week. The other three work days I get to enjoy time with my favorite little lady and take care of all the "other" responsiblities that live in my life. This week at my "away from home" job, I have worked two very slow, quiet, and uneventful days. So, in between the few tasks that were necessary to complete, I enjoyed reading the latest writings of some dear, far away friends...just trying to catch up on their lives, since I'm not much of a phone person and most Facebook users give you just the outline of what life looks like at any given moment. I was most captivated by one blog in particular, a dear Floridian friend of mine with whom I've always felt I've shared some type of kindred spirit...just something similar on the inside that connects us without even knowing too awful much about one another or even catching up on a regular basis.

Reading through her regular posts for the last year or so and reflecting on the lessons she's learned, the growth she's walked through, the challenges she's faced and the hope with which she always presses forward have breathed what feels like life into my heart...into my very soul. On one level, I thought it was just her dedication to sharing on this online venue that I thought I admired...thinking to myself, "You should blog more often, Megan." But the more I thought about it and examined what I was feeling, the clearer it became to me that the inspiration was not about blogging more often (or at all in my case...lol); it feels more about the desire I could see in my friend's expressions to see the very face of Jesus in every moment, in every hardship, in every relationship. To walk forward each day asking for Him to show up somewhere, say something, challenge her, teach and guide every step...an intentional desire to walk every step as close to His as possible.

This has inspired me...yes, to blog about it...lol. But more than that, it has inspired me to find ways to live it. So easily, too easily, I get lost in the flow of life, all of its commitments, important dates/events/obligations, the need to clean my house, do the grocery shopping, take care of Adalyn, spend time with my husband, nurture the young people we're blessed to serve...and everything else! I know all the work we do is for good purpose, that action is required when you're called to the work of the Kingdom...actual ministry just doesn't happen because you're called. There is more work behind most "ministry" than most people would expect...and because of that work I am, at times, quick to fall under the feeling of "have to" or "supposed to" or "let's just get past this event...then I can look forward to __________ and breathe a little bit." What my dear friend has inspired me to do is realize that these moments that I've mentioned are normal for people in all facets of life, ministry or otherwise. But I have a fresh perspective on the appropriate amount of time to live in that moment before pressing forward to the one that holds the joy and anticipation for what it is Christ can do when given the opportunity to move freely. I've been given a new ability to realize how much more can occur when your heart is not just willing, but ready...not just obligated, but honored to take part.

So, yes, the New Year is coming, and maybe that doesn't hurt my feeling of a fresh perspective. But aside from that fact, I want tomorrow to be a new day...and each day after that to follow suit...simply because that's what He's spoken to me through the inspired thoughts and wisdoms of His faithful servant...one of the best I know. Thank you to my dear friend, for being open and honest...for allowing your heart to be spilled each time you sit down to type...for giving Him the freedom to move through you and use what He's given you for others. I am one reader who is grateful today for your inspiration.