Who Inspires You?

I have had several instances this summer where I have been inspired.... by people, occasions, books, even memories..... I must say that it feels good to be inspired. I would have to say that my mom and my memories of her inspire me most. I believe that if she were still here on earth, she would be inspiring me on a daily basis with her love, her kind words, her generous spirit and her faith in God.

Today I am inspired by my husband who finds the good in everyone and everything no matter what the situation and challenges me a lot lately with the words, "This too shall pass." I find myself inspired to be a better friend than I have been before. I am in a season in my life when friendships have begun to change for a variety of reasons and I realize that this will continue to happen. I am enjoying my new friendships and find myself hanging on to the more cultivated friendships as well. I am inspired by my children.... to play and relax and just "be". I don't do that very well.... I am a multi-tasker by nature and have a difficult time slowing down the day to day pace of life.

Six years ago we lost my mom to breast cancer and our family has not been the same since that day. We have gone through so many changes, but each one of us understands that we are going to be okay.

My mom gave me a book after I had Aiden called Mommy's Locked in the Bathroom.... Surviving Your Child's Early Years with Your Sanity and Salvation Intact. It is hilarious and inspiring! My children were only 2 1/2 and 5 months old when my mom died and I had a lot of moments in those early years when I needed a break. My mom recognized that and this book was one of the ways she gently reminded me that I am not the only mom in the world who works part-time with 2 small children and a husband that travels (um... he was gone 2-3 days a week for six months when Aiden was born) Nevertheless, I needed some inspiration and I got it.

One of my favorite chapters is entitled Making a Joyful Noise and begins with Ephesians 5:19-20: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. "

Sometimes the noise in our home does not stop. We have two very talkative and social children who are the product of two very talkative and social parents. We have our fun moments of sharing as well as our angry outbursts just like any other family. There are days when I wish my name was NOT mom or mommy or mama or MMMOOOOMMMM!!!!! Overall, in our home of organized chaos, we are a family who loves the Lord, each other, and our family and friends unconditionally.

We are all inspired by someone or something today and I'm just wondering.... who inspires you? Are you inspiring someone? I sure hope that I am!