"The proof that we are rightly related to God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not" -- Oswald. Our best may seem -- and may indeed be -- way better when we feel inspired, but like the long-distance runner who comes in last, who gets lapped by the women in the lead, my uninspired effort, my dogged perseverance has value.
According to Dictionary.com, "fetish" means "an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or having magical potency; an object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect or devotion." I do tend to over-value my best moments, replay them in my head, and seek to repeat them. If I've written something good, I read it over and over and then feel the need to top it the next time. I would love to live with an ever-present muse, constant inspiration, to always feel that my ideas are crisp and sharp, to experience the spark as they bump against each other, but I have been writing for long enough to know that if I wait for the inspiration, I will never actually write.
"If you say you will only be at your best, you become an intolerable drag on God; you will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously inspired" -- Oswald.
Lord, help me to do the task that lies nearest, to be faithful even when inspiration has evaporated, to do my best in the moment, and to trust you for the rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment