Make Inspiration Your Day Job

I want a show of hands here. How many of you have been inspired by a person in your life to do something great? Anyone?

Well, I have. I’ve written before about how one of the most special things I own is a silver box that was gifted to me by my fifth grade Language Arts teacher Mr. Yiend before the end of that school year. That year, he pushed us to write stories and introduced us to many pieces of literature. Classic American novels and pieces of art that showcased England, where he was from. He was going back there when he gave me this wonderful gift. Laden with carved pens and pencils, the box was engraved: “The writer must write what he has to say. Not speak it.” A quote from Ernest Hemingway. I remember reading it and a spark being lit within me. It was like a seal in my heart.

Not only did it spark my love for writing but it kept me writing. In high school, I wrote several novels and short stories. One time I sent one of my stories to a reputable group for young writers. The critique I received was not only disappointing but esteem shattering. It made me think, "Maybe I'm not such a good writer". I was put off writing for quite some time. But, and you can see where this is going, I remembered that small box. I was inspired all over again because someone believed I had something worth saying.

This memory got me thinking. Thinking about how I could inspire someone one day. Have I done something so far to make an impact on anyone’s life? Have I been the inspiration for someone to follow their passion? I don’t know. What I do know is that I want to be that person for someone one day. So should you.

Imagine that. If we all made inspiring our day jobs by making conscious, intentional efforts to encourage people. Our world would be filled with a little more light if many of us stop living for ourselves and try to be a catalyst for greatness in someone else. That’s why I’ve made a mantra for myself and my work: More life, more light and more love. That’s all I can hope to be with what God has given me.