It's really hard to think about what your passions truly are. I want to say "Jesus" because I feel like it's the right thing to say (especially on a campus ministry blog), but I'm not sure that I'm there yet. I do believe that the Wesley House is one of my passions, but then the question is how do you show passion? Do you find yourself talking to friends, family and random strangers about how awesome the Wesley House is? Do you find yourself always wanting more on a Thursday night, or after a Bible study (Tuesdays at 5pm!)? See, it is hard! I'm not sure about the random strangers, but I do find myself thinking about Wesley a lot, and talking to my friends about everything we're doing. But is that really passion?
So here's my challenge to you. Think about what you are passionate about and how you show that passion and comment.
Passion. What is passion. It's different for everyone I think. For me, passion is what I desire to do over everything else in my life. It's what seems to be a recurring theme in everything I do, whether or not it's directly related. For me, my passion is helping others. I can't give money (I have little to give), I can't give my talents (they are few and far between), but what I can give is a listening ear and a word of advice (that is, if I have one). It may not be mean much to some, but to those who need to be heard it means oh so much. And, frankly, I love it! So, my passion, listening to those who want to be listened to. How do I show it? By listening. By caring.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that comes to my mind when I think about passion is sports, and how passionate I am about the sports teams I am a fan of. When it comes to football, I am a Washington Redskin. When it comes to hockey, I am a Washington Capital. I am very passionate about these two sports teams, and when they win I win, and they lose I lose. Something that I find interesting is how people talk about something when they are passionate about it. I even find myself doing it a lot. Next time someone is talking about a sports team or something they are passionate about notice the words they use... they tend to be possessive. I have never played for nor will I ever have the talent to play for the redskins or the capitals, but when they lose i will find myself saying, "we lost" or "we could have played better." When we win I'll find myself saying "We played a great game." The thing is we didn't do anything, I was in no way responsible for what happened in the game, but I still take ownership of it because I am passionate about the team.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I am passionate about is the church, and helping people who need help. When I talk about church, and helping people, I hope I come across as wanting to own it.
The question is how do you show passion? I think you show passion by owning whatever it is. No I am not talking about buying something, or being overly possessive in a relationship. I am talking about showing passion by owning what stirs you. If you are passionate about a sports team, own it! If you are passionate about knitting, own it! If you are passionate about changing the world for good, own it!
There is a vacation bible school song that came to mind while I was writing this, and it was "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!"
If you are passionate about something, don't hide it under a bushel, let it shine! let it shine! let it shine!
Fascinating stuff, I think. Sometimes I wonder why passion is so scary. Why are we so afraid to express passion ... why are we so afraid of ourselves and our potential? Why are we afraid to feel and to care?
ReplyDeleteIs it because we are vulnerable, then ... and can be hurt? Because we could fail ... or things might not go the way we want them to? What is worse ... to feel pain ... or to feel nothing at all?
I also am thinking a lot about the numbness I see in church these days. I'm struck by the church described in Revelation 3:14 - the church in Laodicea. Jesus calls this church "lukewarm." And he says, "I wish that you were either cold or hot." He just wishes they would feel something. Anything.
I'm afraid that hits really close to home ...