Unlikely Inspirations

In the mundane, we look for inspiration. I am training my heart to have wings; always! Here are some recent elevations of the the heart:

Intercession for Others: There is remarkable renewal to the inner man as we begin to gaze higher and partner with God in prayer for others, beyond ourselves.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior." -1 Timothy 2:1-3

What joy to partner with the heart of the King of Kings, concerning the kings of the earth. It is His will, that we should always pray for them.

Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She is 90 years old! She has held her position as mayor of her city, for 33 years, since 1978. She is now known for the legacy of her leadership; leading a DEBT-FREE city! Truly, this is to be respected! Her comments upon these matters:

They want to know why a city of our size and age is debt free, when many cities in the United States are going bankrupt." She said, saying the answer to their problems would be "to manage it well, and that's what we've been doing."

This seems reminiscent of the values of previous generations, gone before us. Wouldn't we do well to learn from this example?

Tornado Survivors of the Southern USA: In the aftermath of the monster tornadoes, which have torn through the southern US states, this April, (with over 320+ deaths,) one newscaster commented on his surprise of the positive trend of the reaction of the survivors, who lived and lost through the storm:

"I'm just thankful to be alive! I'm seriously blessed," many survivors said.

What might we learn from this statement? Perhaps a re prioritizing and a thankfulness, which would simplify and amplify our existence to a more nobler place? Life is short. It is actually the very "will of the Father" that we should live: Thankful.

Insight from the Royal Wedding in England: It is also worth mentioning, a few beautiful insights gleaned from the recent royal wedding of Catherine Middleton and Prince William, in England, on April 29, 2011.

• Everyone loves a royal wedding! Over 2 billion people (almost 1/3 of those alive upon Planet Earth,) watched this wedding. It was an occasion of "great rejoicing," and "transformation for even those who viewed it." I could not help but think of the coming "Great Celebration" of the Marriage of the Lamb! (Jesus and His Bride.) What an incredible day that will be! The Day of the Gladness of His Heart.
• Here is a quote from the actual ceremony of the royal wedding, which particularly struck my heart:

"Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire! so said St. Catherine of Sienna," says the bishop who officiated the royal wedding, who goes on to say, "Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God meant each one to be; their deepest and truest selves."

Truly inspiring!

Lastly, I leave you with this thought, which continues to strike me on so many levels:

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never, in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony." -William Ellery Channing