HopeFul Reflections

Sources of Inspiration

People are often influenced by the things around them and the thoughts they choose to entertain. We all know that you can tell who a person will become by observing the company they keep. We all know that once we think about that one thig that makes us anxious, it takes all our power to rid our minds of the stress. If a time period were entrenched in war, the arts were biased toward war. If a person is at the stage in their life where relationships are budding, they’re a romantic until they face loss. After such loss they begin to write and create art to reflect the change until yet another event alters their view and their passions.

The magnitude of the Effect of the Muse

It makes sense that when the feelings surrounding the muse or the significance of the muse is greater, the art as a representation of the devotion to the subject reflects this in its presentation. To illustrate this, I’d like to envision a musician of average skill who writes about the love of his life. I’d wager that this musician is likely to write a far greater piece which he is likely to view as an expression of his devotion than if he were asked to write about a generic love that he has never felt. In the latter scenario he’s likely to create a cheap song better suited for a commercial rather than a song to be used by lovers for years to come as the representation of their love they wish they were able to express themselves.

A Central Light to Guide the Actions of My Life

I believe that by having God as the center of one’s life there can be no greater source of inspiration. As Christians who believe that God is the ultimate and perfect good, there is no greater center for our life. Even if we fail in our observations and imitations, we are still far greater in this mode of living than if we allowed something else to be our center. When we hold most dear the teachings, values, and laws of God this will allow us to live excellently even when we fail. It is far greater than choosing an ephemeral source of inspiration such as worldly ambitions or fear. When our ambitions are fueled by a desire to display the greatness of our Father, our actions are far greater because we come from a place of security, strength, and ultimate passion. When we reject fear and act out of love for our Father, we are uninhibited from performing to the best of our abilities. Therefore, when we consider our actions as simple choices made in an infinitely large universe we must remember that when we act in alignment with God, who is the ultimate good, we are no longer meaningless. We are no longer just drops in a large pond. We are part of the waves, the still waters, and the splashes.

Another Analogy

The sun is a major source of heat and light and as a result the vast array of diverse, beautiful, and extraordinary animals and plants we have come to know are able to survive because of its existence. If instead we considered what would survive from the heat and light provided by a light bulb the resultant environment is far less impressive. When we choose to observe God’s greatness, His love, and His teachings, we enhance our lives and our actions. Not only do we act as if our actions are more impactful, we also view our actions as purposeful. We begin to feel there is a reason behind our actions. We longer drift with the wind. In referencing the water analogy again, we are no longer just droplets, we are part of greater system.

For those that wonder if their life has meaning or wonder if they are living to the fullest, I believe that in centering a life around God we can resolve those issues. In living life where we choose to live in accordance with our all powerful Father we choose to live the highest lives. We choose to act in the greatest good, we choose to believe in our greatest strength, we choose to view the beauty of the world. Our thoughts become centered on beauty and love. I’d say that’s a pretty good way to live life. Whatever your path in life, I hope you are driven by the Spirit and moved by your desire to connect with God. I hope you are energized by thoughts of his love for you and his desire for you to be connected with him. I hope you are driven to live a life backed by the fact that you are loved, watched over, and are supported by a Father with love far greater than you or I can imagine.

JKG