Gary Miller ~ outdoortruths.org

I’ve always heard that writing is more about perspiration than inspiration. It’s true. Even though it is very fulfilling to write about the outdoors, it is also difficult at times to continue to find worthy subjects and stories. Sometimes my mind soars with information faster than my fingers can type; other times those same fingers seem like they’re waiting impatiently for the next command. During the times of inspiration I can’t wait to get to the computer. During other times I dread its call. Every writer loves the moments of inspiration. I’ve discovered over the years there is a catalyst that induces inspiration. That catalyst is presence. Here’s what I mean. I find that when I’ve been too busy to be outside the inspirational juices dry up. But when I am in the presence of the water or woods, those same juices began to flow.
I can remember one year being in a hotel in the middle of Indianapolis. My view from the fourth floor was of pavement and people. This weekly article had to be written but after a week within those confines my mind was empty for ideas. I still don’t remember what I wrote about but I remember how barren I felt and how I longed for a room where my bed was an oak flat and my blanket was the trees that covered it.  The lack of presence drained any creativity and inspiration. Sometimes we all must work under the master of perspiration but unless there are moments of inspiration, we will eventually lay down the task.
In our spiritual life it is the same as well.  Our spiritual inspiration must also come from presence. It comes as we are in the presence of God’s people, in the presence of God’s word being preached, and in the presence of the very Spirit of God Himself. This happens as we find ourselves in the House of God. Has your passion for the Lord waned? Has your desire to follow him been replaced by other things? Perhaps it’s because you have neglected the place from where your inspiration will come. King David looked up into the rafters of the tabernacle and was inspired to write; “How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young.”