Passion

Today was a fabulous day in the Pacific Northwest though you could feel a hint of fall in the air. I’m a summer kind of girl so I’m taking as many walks as I can before going back to using the Wii Fit as I watch the rain pour down outside the window.

I love these daily walks not only so I can soak up the sunshine, but because it provides an opportunity to talk to one or both of the kids (depending on who is available or who I drag along). These moments are priceless and can provide some of the most stimulating conversations that may never have arisen otherwise.

This afternoon as my daughter and I walked I asked her what she was most passionate about in life. I thought I knew what she’d say and was curious if I was correct. She looked perplexed for a moment so I told her to give me her top 3 things.

She appeared relieved to get more than one pick and quickly responded 1) Writing/reading 2) Family 3) God. Well the first answer is exactly what I expected since my girl always has her nose in a book (seriously) and her writing style and abilities are creative and well beyond her years. Her second and third answer certainly were wonderful to hear as well!

For the duration of our walk we discussed why she felt passionate about these particular things. Her answers were genuine, honest and heartfelt…the main reason she feels she loves to read and write is because she’s extremely good at both of them (so simple yet profound).

After returning home I had a few minutes with my son and asked him the same question. I once again felt I knew what he’d say though I was very curious about his other two answers. He paused only for a second and replied 1) Music 2) Friends 3) Family/Photography.

Music and friends being important to an almost 14 year old boy is no big surprise…and thankfully due to the creative ‘grouping’ of his third answer…family at least made the list! The interesting thing about his passion for music is it started when he was extremely young and doesn’t appear to simply be a ‘fad’. The style of music he enjoys continually changes (please can the screamo obsession pass soon) but he truly lives for music (just like his dad).

This all got my wheels turning…what am I most passionate about? I know when I was a teen my answers would have been drastically different than my current ones. Now I’d have to say 1) Husband/kids 2) Writing 3) Helping others. I honestly want to fix everyone’s problems…I feel others pain and carry their burdens. I always want to do more to ‘help’, but majority of the time the best solution ends up being to listen and pray (God takes care of the rest).

I feel like these answers are ‘typical’ but rest assured they’re really from my heart. I desperately need my husband to realize how much I love and appreciate him and for my kids to feel unconditionally loved and accepted…these are things I’m passionate about! Now that I’ve started writing I want (with a passion) to make a difference…I desire to touch/reach others and help them realize they aren’t alone in the daily struggles of this world.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I decided today a dream ‘job’ for me would be to write a ‘Dear Abby’ type column. This would incorporate two of my passions in one fell swoop! How cool would that be?!

I thought I was done with this post…but I just ran out to the mailbox and bumped into a neighbor. She stopped to tell me that when she sees my daughter and I walking/talking down the street, we look like two girlfriends having a great time (I’ve only spoke to this woman a few times and she had no idea I was in the midst of writing this post…God is awesome).

What’s your passion?

Tagged as: Dreams, Family, God, Hopes, Passion