Who or what inspires you?  The underdog comes from behind and pulls an upset in a sporting event. Seeing someone overcome great obstacles to achieve success. The glory of a sunset at the beach or in the mountains. The courageous actions of someone who takes a stand because they refuse to be denied.

What creates a moment of inspiration? Rarely is it planned. There is a degree of spontaneity or unexpectedness that is needed. We can hope for a particular outcome, but usually the odds must be extreme or the uncontrollable portions of the elements for success must fall into place. When inspiration comes it can give us chills or raise our spirits to believe the seemingly impossible, miraculous, or divine is happening right before our eyes.

Inspirational moments can feel fleeting or seem rare, but that is because we often underestimate what it takes to be inspired. Opportunities for inspiration are more available if we are willing to look more closely, and with a more open heart and mind.

Jesus was very good at pointing out that we may need to change our criteria for finding inspiration. This might be due to our inability to see God at work in the common, the simple, or the underappreciated. Take the story in Mark 12 and Luke 21 where Jesus observes people putting money in the temple treasury. Those with great means were giving large sums from their surplus. But a widow, whom nobody noticed, gave the two coins that represented almost all she had to her name. Jesus declares that her gift was most inspiring because it was truly sacrificial. She gave it gladly, despite knowing she could have used those two cents to meet an urgent need.

Another way inspiration is powerful is that it can connect with elements which transcend the negativity of the human realm and point us to the joy of the Divine. No human can create the glorious sunrise or sunset we might encounter. The most spectacular of such moments usually comes when there is a mixture of clouds that act as additional reflectors of the brilliant colors that are displayed as the sun slowly rises or sets on the horizon. All we can do is just watch it, appreciate it, and claim it for the beauty and majesty it represents.

People of faith see God in action all the time, and the results are awe-inspiring. How often is God inspired by our actions? How often does God observe what we do and get chills or feels a rush of paternal pride? It doesn’t take much effort on our part. Our random acts of kindness, our willingness to offer love, our decision to reach out when help is needed not only inspires, it can inspire those around us who need to be reminded that our most amazing achievements are not just what we do, but what we can do together.

Inspiration isn’t just about accomplishment, beauty, or happiness. It is about discovering a greater sense of meaning, potential, and purpose. Inspiration requires elements of courage, sacrifice, and creativity. Inspiration is most potent when we don’t find it, but rather it finds us. We just need to be alert and open enough to see it, receive it, and let it use us to be an inspiration to others. May it be so!

Serving you, serving with you,

Rev. Dr. David Weatherly