Honk Your Horn!
I spent the day yesterday watching the remnants of hurricane Ida sweep across the Midstate. I'm one of those strange people who love to watch storms. A strong weather outburst reminds us that we are not as powerful as we would like to think. We are often at the mercy of powers beyond our control. Not to mention I don't have to water my plants for several days. Amid torrential rain yesterday afternoon, I heard a car horn in front of my house. It startled me a bit because horn blasts are not standard on my street. I wondered who in the world was in my driveway in this weather. As I approached the front door, I could see a familiar site through the horizon window – a UPS truck. I immediately felt sorry for the poor guy delivering packages during this downpour. I've become a well-known address for Amazon, UPS, and FedEx drivers since I frequently shop online. I like receiving packages at my front door each week. It makes me feel like Christmas! I bought myself another present. Woohoo!
Right up against my door, there was a small package inside a large plastic bag. I was so glad the delivery guy honked his horn. Otherwise, it would have been hours before I noticed the container and, even though a plastic bag covered the box, water would likely have worked its way inside and ruined my package.
That driver was not required to honk his horn to let me know about my delivery. There have been other packages dropped off in the rain with no warning. By the time I noticed, I had a pile of soggy cardboard laying on the porch. I don't know if delivery folks are expected to follow the "honk-in-rain" policy, but I sure appreciated this one.
Funny how this little gesture by someone I don't know brightened my rainy day. It inspires me when people go above and beyond in their endeavors. Several years ago, our staff read The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn (https://www.amazon.com/Fred-Factor-Passion-OrdinaryExtraordinary/dp/0385513518/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Fred+Factor&qid=1630591599&sr=8-1) , which tells the story of how a mail delivery person changed his customers lives in this manner. It's a powerful and insightful story. The story reminds me of the following point.
Everybody can inspire somebody every day. My past two articles have focused on finding inspiration for yourself. (https://www.donmarkhamilton.com/blog/inspiration-is-everywhere8192021; https://www.donmarkhamilton.com/blog/inspiration-vs-clutter8272021) This final installment is about how you can inspire others. Inspiration by design leads us to serve others in big and small ways. I am reminded of a story a longtime colleague loved to tell.
There are two seas in Israel: The Sea of Galilee and The Dead Sea to the south. I have visited both and know this to be true. The Sea of Galilee, where Jesus hung out a lot, is surrounded by green mountains and trees. It is teaming with fish. Everything about this body of water proclaims life. Meanwhile, the salty Dead Sea to the south is arid and lifeless. So, what's the difference between these two seas?
The Sea of Galilee obtains water from the mountains to the north. You can see the streams running into it. On the south end lies the Jordan River, which flows down to the Dead Sea. Though the Dead Sea receives water, it has no outlet. There is no river flowing out of its boundaries. As a result, salt collects to the extent that nothing can survive in or around the thirty-one-mile-long expanse. The hot desert sun evaporates the water and leaves a salty solution. In some areas, there are hundreds of yards of salt covering the parched ground.
So, it is with humans. Those who do nothing but receive inspiration slowly shrivel up and become lifeless, while those who pass along this uplifting elixir are full of life. Inspiration should be shared, and the wonderful truth is that everyone can do it.
I mean, how hard is it to honk your horn?
Inspiration, or "to breathe life into," is your choice to give away. Here are some suggestions for living an inspiring life.
Listen, really listen, to people. On some days, it is inspiring just to be heard.
Learn people's names. When eating at a restaurant, I nearly always ask my servers' name and call them by it several times during the meal. There is no sweeter word to hear than your own name. One of my daughters nearly always identifies some way to compliment her server. It makes their day.
Do something extra, something you didn't have to do. Small acts of greatness inspire others to live their potential.
Communicate regularly. As I am writing, a familiar text name appeared on the phone next to me. It was my sister in Florida. "Are you okay? Flood, rain, and all?" She cares about her little brother. Her caring makes me want to care.
Consider how people feel after they have spent time with you. Was it uplifting or a downer? Determine not to be "that person." The one whom you dread seeing their number come up on your phone. The one that spends half their time complaining about something in the big bad world. The one who always finds someone to be the target of their gossip in every conversation. The one who is always the victim of some terrible injustice. The one who is set on revenge in some manner.
As a pastor, I've spoken at many funerals. If I get the chance to give some advice before you're the one lying flat at the service, I jokingly challenge; live your life in such a manner that the preacher doesn't have to lie at your memorial service.
Aspire to inspire! It is a higher way to live.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
