By Chaplain Joy

Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Inspiration has been felt by most everyone among us. What is the feeling and where do we learn the most about it?

The most inspiring book ever written came to us through 40 men who wrote on scrolls of papyrus or parchment what God was directing them to transcribe.  Billions of readers throughout history have found the Bible uplifts hearts and spiritually stimulates our minds. This is the fulcrum from which we believe God leads our lives.

When we are inspired by God and follow through we are choosing to be influenced by God. This results in our lives extending help to others—by following the way our minds and spirits are being directed. This is how God’s work gets done on planet Earth.

Scripture says, “Many are called, but few are chosen,” Matthew 22:14.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ whose inspiration finds us following through with what He wants us to do. We become the “chosen” ones as we obey when inspired by Him to serve.

It is my hope that every human hears “the knock” of God on their hearts at some point while living here on earth. Uncountable numbers of us have responded and seek to know what it is that God desires for our lives.

Countless books are filled with actions people have been inspired to achieve. It is beyond argument that needs met for people and for the Earth itself when folks take action after listening to the call of our hearts.

A little event comes to mind when years ago while at the annual State Fair enjoying a walk through the carnival booths, I stopped to talk with a couple who were running a booth. It was enjoyable then as I saw a couple of little children running here and there with dirt on them galore. The ground was the only place they could play. I asked her how she was managing so well watching her children while working at the booth at the same time. She explained that in a week they would be finished, “we move on.” Then added, “I sure wish I could get away long enough to find a laundry and to wash a load of clothes.” I found myself offering to take their clothes home to wash them, adding that I could have them back to her within a couple of hours. At first she said “no.” We talked about other things a bit then I said, “Please, let me help you by washing the clothes. I can have them back to you by 4 PM this afternoon.”

She said, “Yes. Actually, that would be wonderful!”

I was living with my parents at the time with my three young sons. When my mother saw me loading those clothes in her washing machine she asked for detail– then objected. I took some flack on that one.

It was a small thing to help that woman with her family needs. It felt like a “divine thing” because my heart was aglow as I unloaded the clean clothes from my car and took them to the woman at the carnival booth. I am remembering the details and can mentally see the scene many decades later. She may still remember as well as her husband, too, may hold that memory.

It is a remarkable thing to cogitate on how God’s people are everywhere on this earth.  If we keep our eyes and ears open to the needs of others they are more likely to be seen and met.  And, through being “a servant to all” we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. And, it brings considerable joy to our lives.

Author information: Joy Le Page smith is a newspaper columnist who has authored four books. See these on her website: Healing-with-Joy.com where you will also find hundreds of articles written to help people who are hurting.

Also view–FREE–on Joy’s website her children’s book titled The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.