Seeking Inspiration

I haven't been faithful in posting much the last couple weeks, partly because I've been sick, and partly because I've been lacking inspiration. Well, that's not true, I guess I feel more like what I've been inspired by or thinking about wouldn't be consequential to anyone else - but this is my blog so I guess I can write what I want:)

So here are a few things that have inspired me the last couple weeks:

1. My Grammi Hunter! Happy BIRTHDAY TODAY Grammi....not only does she send and check email - but she also follows my blog. She inspires me by her daily choice to keep up with the times despite the constant changing nature of technology and communication! I love getting her emails - hearing her voice over my cell phone, and knowing that she'll read this message - it's awesome! So on this special day Grammi - may you know that fullness of joy that you have brought to the lives of so many! May you know that the life you have led, and continue to lead, inspires others (like) me. And may you always remain young of heart and soul!! I love you so much!!!

2. My fiance - Jeremy I can't tell you enough how much your creativity inspires me. I have creative juices in me, but my day to day activities don't always allow for time and space to act on them. But you, are a daily reminder of how rewarding, invigorating, and fulfilling it can be to make time for these things in life. As of late, I've admired your commitment to your writing, your super-fantastic impromptu song-making, and your appetite for new and old music! I appreciate the way that you unabashedly look at things from a different perspective and the way you explore yourself and others in relationship to those things!

3. My ballet class - for 15 years or so I studied ballet. I loved the poise and discipline that came with the instruction - but I also loved to let go and make up my own moves. For awhile now, I've dreamed of going back to the barr - to sliding on shoes again and spinning away from the worries of the world. Up until recently I've had lots of excuses to stop me (i.e. finishing grad school). But this month, I got the chance to sign up for a class I could take during the work day at Pepperdine. I've loved it!! It's advanced enough that I feel challenged - and I feel like I still know a lot from my previous training. But it is a mild enough class that I can slowly ease back into shape, find my center, and feel inspired to move gracefully and freely like I did so long ago - it is an amazing feeling!

4. A clean room - as many of you know, I spent most of January purging my apartment. I cleaned out nearly every cupboard and closet that I could and got rid of 30% of what I owned. With the help of my roommate we had a great yard sale and got rid of a ton before taking the rest to good will. Despite all of that disposal - I still have a few projects to get through, that only I could do - 1. sorting through school stuff, 2. sorting through finances, 3. sorting through old cards and memorabilia. I've since completed two out of three of these things and it is the BEST feeling in the world. There is something about preparing to move and to be married, that has been helpful in accomplishing this task - but beyond that there is also a measure of freedom that comes from getting rid of everything you don't need, and actually being able to find what it is you do need! There are still a few more levels to get through in my opinion - but waking up in the morning to a tidy and orderly space makes me breathe easier - there is less stress surrounding everything from getting ready, to doing laundry, to mailing a card, recording receipts or playing my favorite music. Less is definitely more in this case!

5. A project management system - yesterday I came back to work after being out of the office for three days. I'd been checking email, but I still had a lot to catch up on. In the process of sifting through items in my inbox, I found a project management system that made my day. For the first time ever, I can tag emails, documents, tasks, and contacts all pertaining to one project, in one place! It took a little time to get set up, but now I know exactly what I need to accomplish today and tomorrow in working toward different project goals. In a job where I am managing multiple long-term programs and outcomes, I think this tool will really help me get my head around the work that needs to get done.

6. A word from God....Sunday at Bel Air, pastor Brewer talked about the difference between success and significance in our lives. The whole message was poignent - and I was encouraged to think about where I get my significance in my own life, and whether or not that adds up with God's perspective. But the other main thing I took away was that we can only do so much in a day. The pastor mentioned two things - 1. mosaic makers back in days of antiquity, would mark off just the section of the mosaic that they could finish in a day. That way they were able to stay focused while moving forward instead of getting caught up in how big the final project was - I need to do more of this; 2. the pastor mentioned that while Jesus was on earth, he did some incredible things - he healed people and fed people and did other miracles - but even those, were just a handful - just within the 100 miles of where he lived, and just among the people with whom he interacted. I think that in this day and age, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the weight of the world and the endless problems that we face - it's easy to think that we have to do something about it all, but it is too much for us to take on, and in the end we end up doing nothing. This teaching reminded me that my significance is wrapped up in the little meaningful life moments that I have the opportunity to embrace every day. Perhaps someday those little things will lead to impacting larger groups of people - but for now, and maybe for always, I must give my hand to that which has been entrusted to me and be satisfied that that is enough...those small things ARE significant.

7. Finally, planning the wedding:) I have to say - because of my past as an event planner, getting things in order for the wedding is really fun for me. Yes it's stressful at times, and challenging to make decisions, but I have to say that wedding planning has been my happy place lately. Jeremy and I are so excited about building our life together, that it makes the details of the day exciting to think and dream about. And everything is just coming together - so beautifully and with so much blessing....and we know that is from God. In addition, I just feel daily blessed and inspired by the generous care, concern, and provision of my parents and of Jeremy's. Not only have they given us amazing love and acceptance but they have been incredible in their support of this wedding and marriage - I love you guys!

So there you have it these are just a few things that have been on my heart and mind....a few things (and people) who have inspired my day to day lately and for that I am grateful!!!!