Inspiration – Where Does It Come From?

In-spuh-REY-shuh n – def.  A divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind and soul.  Hmmmm . . . .  What do you think?  Have you ever felt or been “inspired?”

Contrary to those who nay say that “I have no creativity,” or “I don’t know what to say,” I think everyone at one time or another has felt an inspirational push.  They might not have realized for what it was at the time but that gentle nudge, I think, comes to all of us.  Some people consider  inspiration  as an “a-ha” moment when a grand idea takes hold and the light bulb flickers into a dazzling  light.  However, it may be a gentle whisper in your ear with just the rights to encourage someone who is struggling or that whisper might be words of comfort to someone who is hurting or who may have just lost someone dear to them.

Inspiration may come when you see a brilliant sunrise or sunset splashed across the sky.  Have you ever noticed how the sun lights the clouds in a dazzling array of colors?  I’ve heard there are never two sunrises or sunsets alike and I truly believe it.  Sometimes I just stare at these masterpieces God puts on display every morning and evening.  Take a minute some morning or evening to take in their majesty and see if you don’t feel a stroke of inspiration and maybe an a-ha moment too.  You may be waxing poetic or bursting into song before you know it.

Inspiration can be found in anything – even a cloud formation – have you ever noticed the fun shapes that pop out against a brilliant blue sky when you glance up?  How about a poem that really strikes a chord, or a song that brings a tear to your eye?  Or how about a personalized license plate.  Do you ever wonder the story behind those clever plates?  Do you ever hear a voice on the radio and wonder where they’re from, where they went to school or if they really like the kind of music they play?  Do you ever notice what people in the line ahead of you buy at the grocery store?  Are they planning a dinner party?  It’s fun to tell “the rest of the story” in your mind even though it may not even be close in actuality.  Inspiration can be found in anything that makes you stop and think beyond the item itself.  It may not be earth shattering, but whether big or small, you’ve thought beyond the item itself.

Go . . . take a look at something you see every day but haven’t really “seen.”   How does it inspire you?   You might be very, very surprised.  As for me, when I see a fire engine or drive by a fire station, I wonder where those heroes might be going or what they might be busy doing.  Because those firefighters are heroes, they inspire me.  I’m working hard on my next book where I hope to convey some of their story and the inspiration they spark just by doing what they do.

Until next time and as always, Happy Holidays!

Lindy