Inspiration

Does your life inspire you? Or are there things and people that inspire you to live your life? I think that the latter is what we should strive for. As a good friend of mine has said, paraphrasing the wisdom of Chesterton, the most dangerous sin of all is pride, because it attacks us when we are strongest. Hence for us to be inspired by our own lives would be to give in to some measure of hubris or pride that could potentially prove fatal for us. This then leaves us at times uncertain though. Our humility can lead us to think that our lives are inconsequential, and we lose inspiration to continue forging our path in this world, however with the aid of a friend that can all change.

Though your life may not seem all that exciting to you, it can make a world of difference for someone else. Just as my mother always says when we go to garage sales around this time of year, "One man's junk is another man's treasure," or to expand it to this context, what one man does not value all that much about himself may be the source of unlimited inspiration for someone else. Such occurred today. I sat and talked with a friend from the past and discussed our current states in life, as well as what the future may bring. For me her life as a mother and part-time teacher was compelling, because she is a part of something and is living her vocation most fully! For her, my life unbound by any responsibilities whatsoever, and traveling to foreign countries, learning to speak new tongues and studying for my master's degree seemed all too compelling. Hence, though neither one of us may always be inspired by what we get up and do every day, through the eyes of another we are able to experience and be grateful for what we have. This again shows then how necessary it is to remain in touch with those around us, and to share, really share, those things that are close to our hearts. Because in doing this we open the minds of those around us and really appreciate others, and perhaps more importantly, we appreciate what we have ourselves.

Not one of us can know what the future brings, but every single one of us needs affirmation at different points in time. And so I challenge you to go out and find someone that you have not spoken with for a long time. Meet in person, for no other method can really do it justice, sit down and share your life. "Convivir!" And in this way things may become clearer to you, and life can be a dream-chasing adventure once again!