One of the things I've learned growing up and becoming a 'grown up' is that sense of wonder is much harder to come by. Maybe it's because I've just become de-sensitized to life. The cause could be many things, but regardless of the cause... inspiration in life is much harder to come by unless you're looking for it.
And I think that's the worst part of growing up. We stop looking for inspiration.
We like cute little memes or inspirational quotes because we are so busy and rundown with life's responsibilities we neglect how inspiring life can be. I'm not talking just sunsets and double rainbows, but people. There is no more inspiring thing out there, beyond God, than people.
This is an ugly, ugly world. The older I get the more I see it. Does that mean the goodness is gone? I don't think so... but we've been so conditioned to look at the ugly, we don't recognize beauty anymore.
While I won't go into all the reasons why I'm writing this, I just wanted to recognize some of the inspirational people I know. This by NO means is a full list. Don't get your feelings hurt if you aren't mentioned. That only means I had to cut the cord at some point and hit 'publish' instead of writing a book. And heck, most of the people mentioned below won't even read this anyway.
You never know how the things you do impact people. Most of the time, when you TRY to impact people it falls flat. The best way is to inspire is to just live your life. Other people notice what you say and do... and even just how you smile.
I think we can all learn something from each other, but recently these are some people who have inspired me, one way or another. And to you? Thank you. Not because you're doing something so wild and amazing. But because you've shown me, as Samwise Gamgee put it in The Two Towers, "There is still good in the world... and it's worth fighting for."
Chris Custer - You're a walking inspiration, dude. If there's a single, genuine person I know, it's you. You are always positive, even when things aren't great. You help ME keep perspective on so many levels because, of all the things you've faced growing up and now, you keep a good, Godly attitude. Your work and enthusiasm with the Special Olympics is fun to follow and humbles me.
Makenzie Allen - Who knew after all these years of 'kinda knowing each other' you'd end up in a blog I'd write. Not exactly an honor, mind you :), but, as well may be a theme throughout all this, your posts are always so dang positive and smile contagious. I have no idea what really is going on with you, but you ALWAYS seem to have a genuine smile and happy/positive things to post. I don't contribute a lot of positivity to the Facebook world. You do. Thanks for that.
Allen McMahan - My uncle. Ok, so it's easy to be inspired by family, but we never really had much of a relationship growing up. You were my dad's brother in California. But, it's been great getting to know you over the last few years. That talk we had the other night about some things in your past, even without many details, was really neat. Few things are as inspiring to me than someone who knows where they've been and are proud and thankful to be moving forward. You get it. You appreciate where you are. I can learn a lot from that.
Andy McMahan - My brother. What a wild freakin' ride you've been on. Of anyone I know, you very well may be the most mentally tough person I know. I'm not sure I'd have survived your life. We are obviously very different (I'm better looking), but your perseverance each time life kicks you in the crotch humbles me. I like to think I'm that strong. Maybe I am. I sure hope to never find out... but I KNOW you are!
Adrian Landin - Man, you are the epitome of actions not words. I talk a good game, but you live it. From your travels to your self-discipline, you are just a guy who makes things happen instead of wishing them to. You LIVE life. I can certainly learn from you, bud.
Jay Lowe - I've met very few people in my life who are what they really appear to be. You've got the beautiful family and star son and yadda yadda. :) But, you really are one of the most encouraging, friendly, real people I've ever met. I really enjoyed the Bible study we did. You've got a wisdom and heart anyone can and SHOULD learn from! Christianity is taking a serious PR hit these days but it's guys like you that give me hope that there are actually Christians who love others.
Heather Reid - I've said it before and I'll say it again... You had a dream to be an author and pursued that come hell or high water (literally these days). Seeing people reach a dream is just cool.
Chris McCartney - You go hard in the paint like no one else. Wimps like me sit behind a desk and get paid. Guys like you get out and work to the bone for everything you got. Anyone can learn from your work ethic, even when life is tough.
Dusty Moats - From a fat body just a few years ago to Mr. Olympia now, how can someone NOT be inspired by your journey?! At some point, I pretend I'll be as dedicated as you are. Probably won't ever happen, but keep inspiring dude. It's been fun to watch!
Jennifer Silver-Hudnall/Bryce Hudnall - The work you guys do and the emotional investment you guys make defines inspiration. You open yourselves up in ways that is not only inconveniencing, but heartbreaking at times. It takes a special person to dedicate their lives to actively helping others.
Cara Griffin - We don't talk a whole lot, but I get most of my info through FB and Val... but with all the crap you've had done to your foot... I'd have had the thing amputated and called it a day! Plus your dedication to working out each day has been fun to follow. I'm trying to motivate myself to get to the gym once... and you've been going strong for a while now, daily. That's pretty cool.
Tony Martinez - Life hasn't always been good to you, yet you don't lose faith. You get down and frustrated, but whereas some people would curse God, you constantly lift Him up. You're a special guy Charmin, and your faith is awe-inspiring.
Brad McMullen - The guy who taught me it's not my turn to talk unless I'm holding the tennis ball and that 'I am 3rd'... It's been fun watching you enjoy your retirement traveling everywhere, doing fun things... just living. You have a fantastic family and it's easy to see why.
Stanley/Anna Burgess - Watching your journey against epilepsy was tough, and then inspiring since the surgery. I'm so happy that issue seems to be gone, but watching the faith through which you handled it all was great. And those three daughters of yours? It's not always fair to say a child is a reflection their parents, but in this case, I think they are. You've got some amazing kids.
Benny Proffitt - I couldn't have asked for a better youth minister growing up, but even all these years later your First Priority ministry is still going strong. There is just no let up with you. I'm honored to have had you mentor me growing up and consider you one of the major non-family influences in my life... not just because you taught me about Christ, but because you live it and constantly push forward.
Valerie McMahan - What inspiring list would be complete without the woman who puts up with me and my crap? (Just between you and me, shhhhh, I may not be so easy to live with, yet you signed up for it...) Thank you. You help push ME forward and keep me grounded when necessary. I can only hope to do the same for you.
I could keep going. I wish I could. But, the running theme here is every single person listed (and many more not) are genuine people, flaws and all. We can all learn something from each other.
Look for those in life who inspire YOU. They may not even be good people, but find something. Don't let yourself get so jaded by life that you let yourself miss out on the joys of it. It can be mundane. Frustrating. Tiresome.
But it can also be inspiring. If you know where to look.
