FALL 2006
Tom Smith
Director of Institutional AdvancementWe should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action
—Frank TiboltI read this quote some time ago, perhaps years ago. I understood it then but never really applied it to my life. Since that time, in my quest to figure out what makes the world go 'round, I came across this quote again. I was captivated by the profoundness of this statement-action generates inspiration.
The definition of inspiration is something that stimulates the human mind to create thought; somebody or something that inspires somebody. There is usually something or someone behind inspiration. We see many fine examples of this across the world and in our own backyards. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is inspired by and dedicated to fighting preventable diseases that kill millions of people every year in third-world countries. The Meals on Wheels organization was created to provide vital services and warm meals to our seniors who cannot cook for themselves any more.
As we take a closer look, our lives intersect daily with inspiration. Whether we are using a product or service that was born of inspiration, or our own attempts to improve or simplify the things in our lives. Life to me is mundane unless I am in the midst of inspiration. If I go through a day, and there have been plenty of them, with a lack of inspiration, the day is longer, dimmer, and lacking what I like to call "the juice". Then there are some days that are like picking fruit right off the tree; they are oozing with the creative, motivating juice that we all need to sustain a meaningful and spiritual life.
I am very fortunate, most days, to be surrounded with inspiration. At home, I have three beautifully inspiring children. These kids are inspired every five minutes as their thoughts are engrossed in creating a bigger sand castle or how they can fit an entire hotdog into their small mouths. Their persistent efforts to find more effective ways to ward off the fire-breathing dragon while figuring out what buttons to push on the television to change the programs their siblings are watching are the beginning stages of inspiration that may, one day, change the world. Continuums of thought develop into fine learning as they grow into young adults.
From the marvels of science at home to the inspired souls at work, at times it is as if I work in an inspiration factory. Inspiration is around every corner. Our staff bestows-with consistent flow-caring and drive, inspiring our residents to live at the highest level of independence and dignity possible. The residents, in turn, inspire us to become the best at our respective careers and help us to realize who we are and that what we do is very important to the world.
When I look at the word inspiration, I see in-spirit. Living, working, and loving in-spirit is how God intended us to be.
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Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 12:20 AM
