If one takes a long, deep breath and gives more than just a cursory glance at their life, they will discover, I believe, a hidden passion; a feeling, a burning desire to do something or to make something, to be an agent of change, a soldier, an author, a teacher, a preacher, a peacemaker, a chef, an artist, etc...
We all want to know that the world was different and better because of something we did, because of something we created, because of someone we helped. In order to discover this passion, however, one must momentarily remove the everyday amusements that dull their senses and stifle their creativity and have a time of introspection.
"What is it I do or want to do that when pondered gives me a serious sense of fulfillment and happiness?" This yearning will vary from person to person, but if you will permit me I would like to share some things that put joy in my life and are a passion in my heart.
1. Inspiring and Educating Others: If I, even in the most minute of ways, inspire someone within my sphere of influence to change their life for the better, it gives me great joy. Perhaps they have always had the desire to write but never did and after seeing my blog decided to start one of their own, etc...
2. Writing: I love writing; I am certainly not the best at it, but taking ideas from my head and sharing them via the miracle of the written word is something that always puts a smile on my face.
3. The Gospel: Simply put there is nothing more important than someone's eternal destination and the state of their soul here on Earth.
4. Efficiency: Each of us are only permitted 24 hours a day. If I can discover a quicker, better, easier way to accomplish a task, than I get excited because I can be a better steward of my time; moreover, I get to show someone else how to use their time more wisely as well.
5. Family: You only get one family, and you only get so much time to spend with them. Even though mine is not perfect, I love them just as they love me despite my many flaws.
6. Learning: I guess this one is tied to #4 in a way. The more I learn, the better I will be at whatever I do. As Honest Abe once said, "Whatever you are, be a good one"
7. Cooking: While I am nowhere near a gourmet chef, I am passionate about learning how to prepare better meals. As Trent from The Simple Dollar says, meals prepared at home are cheaper, healthier and sometimes even more fun.
8. Frugality: Before I met my wife I was terrible with money. I blew through my Army bonus money on frivolous things and now I have nothing to show for it. Now, thanks to my wife and her faithful reading of "The Simple Dollar" we are much better with our money and are able to contribute to more meaningful projects like sponsoring orphans and missionaries as they proclaim the message of Salvation and Hope throughout the land.
9. The Truth: I want to know the truth about events and people as well as myself. People tend to wear masks because they feel they no one would accept them if they did not. My desire is to truly understand and know people so that I may better serve them and edify them on a day to day basis.
10. Transparency: (Strongly tied in with #9) I believe a transparent nature begets transparent relationships with those around you. Doesn't it feel like a nice breath of fresh, clean, crisp air when you are around someone who you can just be yourself with? I believe everyone deserves at least one person they can be themselves around and I pray each and everyday that I live my life in such a way that people feel that way around me.
