How Will You Inspire Others?

With work and multiple demands, many families rarely have the opportunity to get everyone together at the same time, same place. The exceptions are funeral and weddings.  Weddings come in second place. Funerals almost always bring the whole clan together. Although the occasion is sad and people are gathered to mourn the passing of a loved one, the event itself can be uplifting and filled with special memories, both past and present.  

At a recent funeral of a dear friend's father, her young nephew approached me to remark about a time I visited their home and played the piano for them. After the funeral at his grandmother's home, he played for me. He said my ability to play "by ear" had inspired him to take piano lessons. I told him that once I had been inspired by mother's cousin who had come to visit.  I remarked that one day he will inspire someone else to take on the challenge of playing the piano and experience the joy that it brings ourselves and others in the process.

Isn't that how inspiration works? When we find ourselves in the presence of someone who enjoys what they do with such joy and passion, it ignites something within us.  It may only have been a flicker, barely recognizable, prior to that moment.  But the moment our passions come alive, we know there's no turning back.  We, too, are hooked, and as we enjoy the ride of our lives, others enjoy it with us.  How blessed we are if they share that we were their inspiration.

A thought for you today: How will you inspire others?