Inspiration

As I stood in the 90+ heat this evening watching a fireworks show, I thought about inspiration, or my lack thereof. Although the bursts of greens, reds, whites, blues, and yellows provided ample ammunition for inspiration, I felt totally amiss in the area. In the past, fireworks shows have always left me with the impression that I could go home and create beautiful poetry and writing about the strong patriotic feelings I experienced or the sense of awe at all the blessings those fireworks celebrations represented. I thought I could thank God for the soldiers, law enforcement and firefighters who dedicate themselves to protecting all that we hold dear. I could thank God for the teachers who dedicate themselves to helping future generations develop and learn. I could thank God for the doctors and nurses who dedicate themselves to keeping countless people healthy or at least comfortable when faced with a difficult injury or illness. I could thank God for all the people who dedicate themselves to help others develop their spiritual lives through prayer or other sorts of communion with God.

Normally, fireworks shows inspire these grateful feelings, but tonight I felt sadly limited as I watched the delightful bursts. However, now as I reflect on my lack of inspiration during the show, I realize that in thinking about all I'm grateful for has inspired me to look for all those in the world who work to make this place better for all. Although I'm saddened by horrific events such as the Norway shooting, I realize that millions of people work to undo the horrible acts of this one person. Thank you, Lord for all the good people you have put on this earth.