inspiration

I'm a little low on inspiration today. I had hopes of getting back to songwriting this week, and though I love writing for a purpose, I'm coming up pretty dry.

That's not to say there haven't been many inspiring moments and hours in my life of late. There've been lots -- just none to fuel new songs for the new album it seems.

So instead of focusing on what is lacking, I'm going to take a moment to recognize some of the inspiring events of recent days...

- The lovely large flakes of snow that are falling gently outside this afternoon... especially the ones that fell against the bright blue sky.

- The honesty of friends who are in a valley in these days, and are open to the beauty of community by exposing their hopes and disappointments, their fears and failures... yes, I find this kind of honesty before God and friends to be refreshing and hopeful!

- The rereading of my journal yesterday, where I began to recognize several significant answers to prayer that had gone unnoticed. How sad of me not to notice earlier... and how thankful I am now!

- For four days with friends at a church planting conference in Ottawa last week, where much of the vision we've been sensing was confirmed, and where we were encouraged to dream God's dreams for the church... we're not giving up on the church God intended for the world, even though we so often fall short!

- For an incredible concert by the Wailin' Jennys last month. My favourite folk trio of Canadian lasses who inspire me to simply be better.

- A letter from a friend and one from someone I don't know, expressing how my music has resonated with them or been meaningful in a difficult time of life. What a great incentive to keep writing and recording when I begin to question if it's all really worth the effort...

- The prophetic words of a friend who seemed to know something she couldn't possibly have known on her own. Those words have given me reassurance many times over in recent weeks. (Sorry to be so vague -- I'll be able to explain more to some of you in person.)

- The love of my husband and daughter. These two love me well in spite of all I lack and they help give me perspective when it's lacking. Their love is probably most inspiring of all.