Passions

One of my passions.

Today, I reflect on passions. You know, the things in us that spark desire, the fuel of life. There is a misconception in many people’s minds that passion is a non-essential. At the same time, there are many people who have stated much more eloquently than I am capable of that passion is completely essential to whatever you do. What is not clearly explained, however, is that passion does not look the same for everyone.

The minute you begin to speak about passion, everyone instinctively thinks about their own, never pausing to consider that the very things for which they carry vague indifference could be another’s passion. This is one of the hardest things for me—talking to people who are indifferent to my passions. This is one of most serious passion-killers. If no one gives the slightest concern for the things which you are passionate about, would you continue? In one sense, continuing in spite of indifference is a proof of true passion. Make no mistake though, a passionate person, as such, is probably also a lonely person.

The real challenge in life, I believe, is that once you have found your passion, deciding to carry it and guard it against a world of indifference; for you will find that enemies and friends alike will fuel it, but indifference will cause it to waste away because, after all, who wants to be lonely?

Belief correction: passion is not a lifestyle of loneliness, but a lifestyle of difference. It is a privilege to be different. It is a privilege to carry a unique passion. The problem does not lie with you or your passion. The problem lies with the people who remain indifferent. They need to wake up. They need to learn to appreciate others’ passions and spur them on. The reason that they are asleep is probably because their own passions died to indifference, and what they need is someone who will choose to live out his/her passion so that it’s flame might soften their hardened hearts.

With that said, allow me to share with you one of my passions: this song, an adaptation of Isaiah 6, which is free for you to download. 🙂
If you like it, check out my single on iTunes also.

Spring Break

Yes, this is a blog post about spring break. Honestly, I wasn’t going to write about anything I’ve been doing, but then I saw all of my blogging friends posting about their breaks and I got a little jealous. (Silly, right? I thought so too.) Nevertheless, here I am. (Ta-da!)

Usually, when I post something here, it’s about something that I’ve been thinking about or wrestling with and pertains to mental/emotional/spiritual growth. Today, I just need to write so bear with me and I’m sure something profound will come up. (No seriously, it just might happen.)

So far, my spring break has consisted of two things: reading and practicing. Yes.

Reading
Practicing

Ah! Here’s the profound truth. Neither of these things are what I naturally want to do. I find them both rather tedious actually—at least in my current context. However, I’m reminded of a lesson that I learned a while ago about being faithful in the little things. As a writer/thinker, it’s needful for me to be filled and inspired by other writers/thinkers. As a musician, it’s very much needful for me to practice and rehearse scales, techniques, and compositions.

I’m sure many of you have heard the idea that if you are faithful in the little things that you will be entrusted with big things later. I heard it as a child and it sounds kind of silly stated in the abstract, but it’s so true. You have to keep the end result in mind. What do you want to do? Where do you want to eventually be? How are you working toward those goals?

A goal doesn’t have to be some hugely specific entity. It can be general—that’s ok. As you progress toward it, it will become more specific and refined. This is the process of life and it’s ok: take your time.

I’m not where I want to be. I know I want to be someone who is so filled with wisdom and encouragement that it naturally flows out of me to others in speaking, blogging, and poetry. I know I want to be a musician who exposes people to grace and the eternal qualities of God through high-quality musicianship. Both of these things mean that I will have to spend loads of time investing into activities that will equip me to live this way.

As a junior, soon to be senior, in university, I easily lose sight of these goals as I go about the daily grind. Spring break has been a chance to step back and refocus, reenergize, and rededicate myself to the dreams I’ve entertained for so long. I’ve found that my passion is not dead, my God is still faithful, and life is not my enemy.