The new year has come and the first week is nearly finished.  This is the first day when kids are back to school and most people are back to work.  This is one of those days that most people look upon with sadness or disgust.  They would rather stay on vacation or break.  The thought of returning to a job, position, or school they do not like is something to be avoided rather than embraced.

Today was my first day back as well.  Time away is welcome for sure but the return is equally as welcome.  Today was a great day of re-commitment to finding inspiration in all parts of life.   Especially in those parts of life that most people ignore.  Today was no exception for me to find inspiration in the little and big things of life.

I got the kids to school this morning.  It was cold and clear, though not frigid.  I made my way to the corner where I direct traffic for my son’s school.  I have been doing this traffic direction for the past 2 1/2 years in the morning.  People think it’s a hard job that I perform.  They think it’s time consuming and difficult to stand in the elements for cars to pass effortlessly.

Truth is I enjoy this job.  I call it a job but I accept no pay for my efforts.  I view this as a gift I give the school and a gift I recieve from the school and the other parents.  There is a great satisfaction I experience knowing that I contribute to the safe and timely flow of traffic around the school.

So what is the point of inspiration in this post?  How do I see inspiration in this position and how can it be translated into other people’s lives?  First there is the knowledge that I am investing my time and talents in an effort of importance.  It is very important for traffic to flow safely around the school and that children get to classes in a timely manner.  I am glad to provide the structure necessary for those goals to be achieved.

Second there is the knowledge that the vast majority of drivers are very happy to have me at that corner.  I’ve received many thanks and may gifts for volunteering to help the other parents at the school.  They are truly appreciative that I’m there.

Third, I know that not only do I contribute something of importance to the school and the school’s family, I also know that in an intangible way I am the face most drivers see as they enter the school grounds and the last face they all see as they leave.  It is important to understand that traffic flow is not my only job on that corner.  As I smile and make eye-contact I communicate a sense of community.  As I wave to people coming and going they know someone cares for them.  As they do the same in response to me I also recieve the sense that another person cares about me.

Fourth, I get to stand outside while I direct traffic flow at the corner.  In January it is a bit brisk but it is still a reconnection with the elements.  It is a constant reminder that comfort is not the highest order good.  It is of such importance to know that I spring from those elements in the cold wind of January and to know that my body will one day return to such elements once again.  The sure and certain transitory nature of life gives me inspiration to look deeper for meaning rather than in a comfortable life but to look to the One who made the elements and created life.

Fifth, as I stand in the cold January sun, or , snow, or rain, I get to pray.  I pray for the school.  I pray for the students.  I pray for my children.  I pray for the drivers and the cars, and the parents.  I pray for teachers hearts to always be the the hands of the Lord.  I pray for the administrators.  I pray for safety and the in-flling of the Holy Spirit.

That is my day of inspiration of going gack to work.  It is my story of finding meaning at a corner where people are glad they do not stand.  I truely wouldn’t want it any other way. 

May this post help you to see inspiration in the midst of your life and your job and your classes.  Inspiration is a choice so is boredom.  Make the best choice!