On Being Inspired

"Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration" Edison in 1902

Recently Eric and I had the opportunity to participate in The Gathering, a conference for pastors, ministry leaders and their spouses. It was a wonderful week for us, and not only because we were able to connect with old friends. That was an important part of the event, and I appreciate that the organizers provide time and space for that, but for me it is valuable because of the opportunity to be wholly inspired.

Out of necessity, most of us spend the bulk of our time working- perspiring. To do our work well, it is necessary to take time out to be inspired. There are many things that inspire me in small ways every week- articles I read, beautiful photography in magazines, people who create things, conversations with friends, time with my children and of course Scripture and Biblical teaching.

But when it comes to long-term, big thinking kind of inspiration, conditions have to be just right- kind of like how you can make instant pancakes from the box every Saturday for weeks and be satisfied, but every once in a while, a big batch of homemade from scratch pancakes with the best ingredients, real whipped cream and fresh strawberries makes the instant kind seem old and artificial.

Good Biblical teaching + extended time to process the teaching with Eric + time to process the teaching with friends + no children or work responsibilities to also think about during processing time + pushing ourselves to write down some concrete take-aways= the perfect recipe for large scale inspiration. Thank you to everyone who helped create these favorable conditions.