Have you ever been in a hard-feeling place? Have you reached for some inspiration, something to cheer you at that moment? I have been there many times. Over the years, I have found something unexpected that inspires me and helps me through whatever makes me feel down in the dumps at that moment. Sometimes, it is an actual thing that appears to be wrong. You don’t know how to solve the problem or overcome the situation. Other times, it is just a down feeling that comes for no seeming reason at all.
Looking For Some Inspiring Thoughts
There are writings I turn to in the middle of these times. Usually, a Bible story or passage comes to me to ponder. Other times, I try to read the Bible, but at that particular moment, it is a locked book. I’m definitely searching and hoping to feel God’s Presence.
I’ve even Googled the word “Inspiration” and didn’t find anything that resonated… I’m sure you can relate to moments like this.
Sometimes, it takes a while to find the solace you are looking for; even some great authors, poets, and hymns that usually would help only make you feel more desolate and lost. Other times, it is not so apparent. You tell yourself to keep your chin up. After all, you tell yourself you are an adult and should know how to self-soothe by now!
A while ago, I felt down for no apparent reason. Sure, there were many circumstances that I could have used as an excuse. We have all had moments when things going on around us are unsettling. We are tempted to be angry at a neighbor for something inconsiderate without stopping to consider what they may be going through at that moment. There are many obvious-looking things that should not be happening to those we love or those around us. We want to help and do some good, but if we don’t maintain our own peace, what good will we be in a crisis to help someone else?
The Missing Peace: A Gentle Approach to Finding and Maintaining Inner Peace by Nere Lartitegui, Ph.D., is a book full of stories and lessons to help us live an intentional, peace-centered life using forgiveness, kindness, gratitude, and respect. She portrays examples of how to overcome inner, interpersonal, and outer conflicts of our past and present and ways to preserve harmony between family, friends, and co-workers.
Things seemed to be overwhelming me, and I started to feel miserable and beat myself up for it. I had been reading all my usual self-help books, praying, and trying to elevate my spirits. I decided to let go and went with my husband for a short walk to get some fresh air and exercise, soak up some much-needed vitamin D, look at real things close up and in the distance, and take a break from working at the computer.
A Change Of Scenery Can Help
This one day, we were walking along a beach not too far from home, talking about many things and not talking about anything, just enjoying the feeling of the sand between our toes.
Our conversation turned to entertain more positive thoughts. I dawdled a bit, starting to feel better, and paused to step over some weeds in the sand. My husband had gone ahead a couple of steps as I continued my usual Pollyanna-style chattiness, saying something like, “Well, everything could come out better in the end.”
Serendipity
In mid-sentence, I stopped in my tracks, and there on the ground was a little clay pot fragment tossed no doubt ashore after having been jostled by many a wave. It was a perfect heart!
I breathed a deep breath and reached down to carry it home, telling myself to remember what had come out of my lips at that instant. “Everything could come out better in the end.”
It was like a message from the Heart of the Divine! Yes, God’s grace gives us hope in all things.
These moments of seeming hardship help lift us higher in our search. The following poem came to my mind, and I started writing. It was also a gift and is inspiring whenever I re-read it. So I hope it will be for you also.
Bird Song
I wonder if the spring would come
Without the birds’ insistent song?
If the sun would turn its rays to be the perfect sum,
Of golden hues that lift a gleam of green
From cold, hard mud?
Would trees sprout buds, or spring remain unseen?
What if fluttering birdie things
Turned frozen earth into buttery, flowery, wispy scenes
Where children play, and thoughts take wings!
Let’s join this swelling chorus of peeping
Start some silent seeds… to sprouting
An inner mind-spring, letting go and leaping…
Birds know when spring should be sprung.
Somehow, they fly back to our Northland
From southern climes far-flung.
And through rain and wind and cold,
Just sing and sing,
Being brazenly bold.
Amazing little creatures,
Their tinted feathers blend almost unseen
With undaunted trusting features…
Steadfast constant chirping.
Joyfully, they chide at winter’s claws.
Then, with these voices, it’s usurping.
I wonder if spring will come
Without the birds’ insistent song?
May you find peace today.
If you are by chance “Googling for Inspiration,” I hope something on this page resonates with you. Let’s all start chirping and being positive. “Everything comes out better in the end.”
