Journey XIV Week 11
Spring into Passion

2009 NCAA Tournament, Greenville, North Carolina. Texas vs Duke.The Duke Blue Devil is passionate and enthusiastic to create fan support and cheer his team on to victory. Notice his cleverness: his bandana and his arm stretching suggesting that the Blue Devils are “bigger” than Texas!! I’m not a fan, though I always appreciate passion!

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” — Mitch Albom

Action: Open your windows, turn off the TV and radio and let the sweet sounds and revitalizing new spring air inspire you to find, use and share your passion with your family and community, today and for the rest of your life.

Because of the perfectly cool mornings and mild days I’ve turned off the AC and heat in our home. It is an unusual financial treat to reduce the electric bill but, more importantly, I love the way the crisp and pristine spring air makes me and the entire house feel. It’s invigorating, refreshing and smells so clean and good. This morning I awoke to the most glorious sounding bird who was passionately singing her song. I couldn’t believe my ears! She was so excited to tell me about the delicious day ahead.

The sweet song bird reminded me of the birds in Cinderella. I couldn’t see her smiling face and I’m sure she wasn’t helping make a dress, but I could definitely hear her perfect and almost surreal voice. I am confident that she was using her gift and she was passionate and eager to share it with others. Her song was perfect, given by God, and affected me in a positive way. I know her passionate singing inspired other birds to sing their songs too. As soon as she started singing, others chimed in to join her and symphony-like music began.

We are all created uniquely with different gifts and passions. That is what makes life so fun and interesting. If we could all sing, singing wouldn’t be so special. And if we all had a passion to lead an outdoor exercise program, I’d be without a job! But while being passionate is personally fulfilling, it’s effect goes much further than individual pleasure. Like my Cinderella song bird whose gift and passion to sing breathed confidence into the community of birds to also sing their song, we use our gifts and passion to serve our family and community too. It’s an energetic and life giving dance.

A perfect example of realizing a gift is what Monarch Corrinne Bowers recently did. She’s started offering her services to organize your closet. In her words:

Are you suffering from closet confusion? Could you use a clothing solution? I would like to help make your closet your new happy place! Let’s take what you have and find the best and then I will help you let go of all the rest. “Closet’s by Corrinne” is my new business and I want to help you feel good about the special clothing pieces you already have. Then, I’ll put your closet in an order where you can find everything. I am also glad to offer suggestions regarding new clothing and accessories you might need. I’ll even shop with you or for you. Oh, and I love to help people pack for fun vacations, weddings and business trips.
— Corrine Bowers

I’m not gifted at organizing my closet or dressing for a special event, and I’m THE WORST packer, so this would be fantastic for me! Corrinne has taken something that she enjoys and is good at and has turned it into a business, which in turn helps others simplify their lives and reduce what can be a very stressful situation. Yeah Corrinne!

Passion is something I believe everyone should experience and display on a daily basis and throughout life. It’s not about starting a business or making money, it’s about identifying what brings you joy and then sharing it with others. Again, it’s an energetic and life giving dance—-a real win-win for everyone.

I feel immensely fortunate that I get to live my passion. I do feel I’m using my spiritual gift and as a result it feeds my soul which leads me to feel enthusiastic and grateful everyday. It makes me better at each role I play and I appreciate that you support and encourage my passion. You are a tremendous blessing.

This week, I encourage you to open your windows, turn off the TV and radio and let the sweet sounds and revitalizing new air inspire you to spring into passion. Stillness and nature are the perfect combination to clear the mind and reset the soul… and even if bacon is what inspires you, like it does in our video of the week, then I’ll be the first to support your passion!

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