We are the statues...

Allow us to begin with some thought provoking words by C. S. Lewis:

"This world is a great sculptor shop.  We are the statues, and there is a rumour going round the shop that some of us are some day are going to come to life."  Mere Christianity

Looking out over the cold North Dakota landscape, a whopping -10 wind degree temperature, drinking a large cup of hot tea, these words are stuck in my head

"Come to life" 

These words are found in the last paragraph of Lewis' first chapter of his fourth book in Mere Christianity.  They challenge and inspire me, while at the same time developing within me a deep tension as I wrestle with some tough questions:

What is the element, the spiritual force, the religion that brings humanity to life? 

Is the Christian religion a set of moral values instituted by Jesus Christ for people to uphold?  Can humanity uphold these moral views?

What does "come to life" mean?  How does one find the joy that overflows?  Can one even find that joy?  If so, how?  Or are we just waiting to be breathed into?  

Crazy, huh?  How reading one chapter of C.S.Lewis in the early morning can provoke inspiration and challenge. 

I'm often inspired and challenged by the created works of others; in this case C.S.Lewis' writings.  

I ultimately know other people's creations aren't the final work.  C.S.Lewis would be a fool if he wrote a book and claimed, "This is as good as it gets."

I could argue that C.S.Lewis is as good as it gets, but that for an other blog post, plus that would be foolish.   

Art.  

Each person is an Artist.

We've been created with an ability to Create.  How cool is that?

With each piece of art, we inspire people.  Hopefully our art inspires people in a positive way.  

Seeing someone do what they were created to do, inspiring.  

We are all artists, we are, truly.  Some people think of artists as left-brained people, not so.  Yes, left-brained people may be more inclined with drawing or making melodic noises with instruments, but everyone is an Artist.  Nature is God's canvas given to us in which we write and create our story.

Side note: I really dig this sticker:

Each person is an artist in their own respect.

What's your specialty?  

The art you are producing, is it making the earth a better place?

Do you "come to life" when you create it?

"That motivational speaker was dumb"

This last week, I enjoyed my time in Ames Iowa.  A great community with some wonderful people.

A Bicycle was my mode of transportation for the week.  I love riding a bike after running a long distance, it really helps my legs feel good, and gets them moving in some good ways.

Wednesday was my busy day for speaking.  Was able to speak a total of 10 times at both the Ames Middle School, and then at the First Evangelical Church of Ames.

Was blessed with meeting a lot of new people.  By the end of the day, my body was tired.  You could tell in my voice, it was strained, and I sounded like an old-raspy man.

:::An awkward interaction I had with a student at the Middle School:::

I had just finished speaking at the middle school, and I had to return the Visitor Badge to the front office.  Because I rode a bike to the school, I then went to the bike rack which was behind the school.  I was unlocking my bike, next to a student who was also unlocking his bike.

He didn't notice I was right next to him.  He was conversing with his buddy, and he said, "That motivational speaker was dumb."

It caught me off guard, because I spent the whole day there, and heard many encouraging things from students, so I had spoke up and said, "I was dumb?"

He turned around, and was totally caught off guard.

He quickly responded, "I didn't mean that."

It was a bit awkward for him, and fun for me.

He felt really bad for what he had said, and apologized.  I told him not to worry about it.

I am aware there are some students & adults who wont connect with the Awake My Sole message, and they don't have to, its not for everyone.

My goal in speaking is to INSPIRE others to DISCOVER, DO & INTEGRATE their abilities in to their life.  My hope is they leave "asking questions" about the direction of their life.

I rode my bike back to my host home that afternoon being okay with knowing a student didn't care for the words I shared, but at least it got him thinking.

Running with purpose in every step...

Jim


Here are a few more pics I was able to take during my time in Ames.  Thanks to Grandpa Jim for allowing me to use his bike.  That bike allowed me to get around.

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