Sometimes inspiration is a problem for me. There’s simply too much of it!
I’ve been known to create entire tablescapes based on no more than a combination of colors—or a single flower. Sometimes it’s a one-off phrase or quote that becomes a blog post.
in·spire
- fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative
- breathe in (air); inhale
Perhaps because I’m so easily inspired myself, it comes naturally for me to (at least attempt to) creatively inspire others. That first, most common, definition of “inspire” is a no-brainer.
But the second one? Seems easy, yes? Not always.
I had to work on that one this week.
Happy Friday, by the way. It’s time for another five minutes of practice-writing and sharing at Five Minute Friday, and (guess what?) INSPIRE is the word prompt. Let’s do it!
START
Inspire Inhale
Should be easy, but sometimes anxiety kicks in. Such was the case this week.
One daughter driving 24+ hours from Colorado to North Carolina—nonstop. The other daughter (and Renaissance Man) traveling to and working in Guatemala. My Favorite Fatigue Wearer taking an important test. And this Nonna helping with two little boys.
LOTS going on—and lots of mental distraction for someone like me who likes “all her chicks accounted for”. And order.
Inspire Inhale
Breathe
The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5b-8)
It’s the mind that wanders, worries.
It’s the mind that Satan “tickles” to tempt me to worry.
Inspire Inhale
Breathe
Every time I was tempted toward anxiety, I took a really deep breath. An inspiring breath reminding me that God loves my family even more than I do. (How can that be?) That they are in his very capable hands.
That he has been faithful—in all things—for my entire life.
Be anxious for nothing. NOTHING
Inspire Inhale
Breathe
TRUST
He is faithful, capable.
He is GOD. Alpha and Omega
The beginning and the end… forever.
STOP
What about you? Do you tend toward anxiety—or are you an easy-going, laid-back person? Do you have any relaxing weekend plans?
Update: All of my chicks are back where they belong, safe and sound after travel delays, and that important test was aced. THANK YOU, LORD! At My Place we’ll be celebrating Little Sir’s preschool graduation this evening—and Little Man’s 8th birthday tomorrow. A few days from now, Renaissance Man and I will return home—and Daughter the Older will make that reverse cross-country trip. Prayers appreciated!
By the way, prayers headed your way, too!
*****
Join me at Five Minute Friday to see the other “inspired” writings!
Thanks for these inspiring words to just relax, breathe and trust! Oh how we need to remind ourselves of those things on a daily basis! Thanks for the reminder! (Your neighbor at FMF) Happy Friday to you!
Love it – I saw the same definition and was reminded that inspire also meant to breathe in – I’m a big fan of meditation and breathing well is something to be practiced often as we are still before the Lord. Thanks for sharing and reminding.
-Donna, your neighbor at FMF
Great post, Susan!
I tend to be pretty laid-back about most things, including my own coming death. It really irritates a lot of people! There are those who think I should be terrified, shaking with angst, and clinging to my wife in tears and despair…but I’m pretty much OK with what’s happening. I’d prefer it NOT be, of course, but the time I have shouldn’t be wasted by trying to wish something away. Besides, I have a loving wife, a roof over my head, enough to eat, dogs to take care of (and who take care of me), books to read, DVDs to watch…so how can I complain?
There’s no meaningful medical care, but most of the world (at least the parts I’ve seen) makes do…if lucky…with aspirin and maybe some betadine. How do I deserve more than they?
So I’m OK, and as for weekend plans…Barb is going to a social thing tomorrow, and she got me some movies from the library…the second ‘Hunger Games” film, “San Andreas”, and “Pride and Prejudice”. “Mad Max – Fury Road” was already checked out. She always shakes her head at my choice of films, and to be honest, I like keeping her a bit off-balance by tossing in some Jane Austen from time to time.
Andrew, I love that you like keeping your wife “a bit off-balance by tossing in some Jane Austen”! Your sense of humor is showing. 🙂 But mostly, I love this: “…the time I have shouldn’t be wasted by trying to wish something away”. Wise words, indeed — and ones we would all be smart to ponder and embrace. Thank you.