In a book I read there was a retired school teacher that had lived longer than her friends and relatives. She explained to a young woman that had befriended her that she had lived as long as she had because she was "always curious to see what was going to happen next".
Lately I have felt "stopped at a red light in life" and I keep thinking of that woman's attitude. How do you maintain a curiosity about life when things don't change? How do you continue to have a zest when it is the same day in and day out?
My mother has been in assisted living facilities for a very long time now. During her time in these establishments I have met a lot of elderly people. Some have the spark of life and some do not...what makes the difference?
Is it the curiosity that was spoken of? I don't really have an answer for these questions, I guess I'm looking for it myself. I know I feel like Paul did when he said that to die is gain in Philippians 1:21. But the other side is to live is Christ!
Sometimes we have to stir our spirits to find the excitement of life. Sometimes our spirit needs a boost.~~~~
~~~~I've been considering this for awhile, I've talked to people and talked to God about it. I asked Lane to pray over me and when he asked what I wanted to have prayed I asked him to pray for me to have the spark of life and for it to never leave.
Lane has told me that I am the most optimistic person that he's ever met, but sometimes even optimistic people need to get stirred up.
Yesterday God impressed on me (after Lane had prayed for me) that the spark of life for me is in creating. I make jewelry, I crochet, embroidery, I bake, I write blogs, I enjoy photography, I grow a garden... all of these are in the creating realm and that is where the spark of life is for me!
I do believe that each person is responsible to find their own spark, and now that I understand it more I can tell you that it's what makes you feel alive! When I walk into a bead store, my happy factor rises like crazy! Or when I see something beautiful to take a picture of I can't get my camera ready fast enough!
Find what makes you feel alive, it may be spending time with other people, it may be hearing beautiful music, it may be in creating art...there are many, many sparks that God has put in our world and to enjoy the sparks that He has given us is to bring Him glory!
I know it's a weird concept, we think we have to be praying, reading scripture or something "church like" to glorify God, but that's not true. He made us, He created us as individuals and if we enjoy His creation we are bringing Him pleasure and honor! Not to say that we let our passion overtake all that we are, everything in moderation!
How often do you see a cook watching people enjoy the meal they have prepared, or how often do you see an artist watching people respond to their art? Everyone wants their creation to be enjoyed and God wants us to enjoy what He has created and He has created you and whatever it is that you're passionate about.
When you find your passion and follow it, the spark of life will always stay alive in you.
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