Motivation is one key in our repertoire of what moves us. But if motivation is the action verb then inspiration is the force behind it. Inspiration is the heart of our actions. But what is ‘inspiration’ and what are the specifics, individually?
One of the definitions that Webster provides us with is: “any stimulus to creative thought or action”. And while thought is part of the formula, the emphasis is on action. We always do something with what inspires us. But we need to identify the ‘any stimulus’. So what are your stimuli? Because this is a plural word – there are a variety of ways we are stimulated.
Again referring to Webster, a ‘stimulus’ is an incentive to action. It can be argued that inspiration always leads us to action. Typically we consider inspiration as a positive word, a word leading us to actions that are ‘good’, but do remember inspiration can have its opposite affect – leading us into areas we should avoid.
Personally I’ve always associated inspiration with creative. And I believe we all are creative in one way or another – our responsibility is to discover where and how we are creative. I also believe that our creativity gives our lives meaning. However, don’t limit ‘creative’ because it is not just art or music or writing – it is far more extensive.
Just like our Creator God brought the worlds and life into existence through His creativity, He also planted a spark of creativity in us. And that spark of creativity inspired men and women throughout history. Your spark of creativity will also inspire others.
