So let’s talk about inspiration.
What is it?
When someone does something amazingly well? Or when something unexplainable happens and changes everybody’s point of view? Things can be inspiring (like a nice piece of artwork) and places (like a Cathedral) but people can be even more inspiring. Acts of kindness, acts of faith, or acts of talent that make history; all of these are inspirational.
Well, Nik Wallenda is one of those inspiring people. He made history Sunday when he completed his high wire walk across the Grand Canyon, and I felt compelled to write about him and his feat because I found it very moving.
Nik comes from seven generations of high wire performers,
So his talent for areal feats is in his genes.
He began training when he was a kid; now that's dedication!
He is truly a master of his craft.
The whole world was watching with bated breath as he defied gravity. He was practically walking on air 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River Gorge on a cable only 2 inches thick. He faced winds that were over 20 mph, battled the dust and the heat, all without a safety tether or a net to catch him if he fell.
But what amazed me most was his attitude. Before his walk, he gathered with his family and preacher Joel Olsteen to pray. Then, the whole way as he was walking, we could hear Nik praising God and calling out to Jesus; all he wanted was to bring glory to the Lord. When the winds rose and the wire shook, Nik began praising God's name to calm his fears. It reminded me of Peter walking across the water; he did not look at the danger but turned to God instead. It was a magnificent thing to see someone with such great abilities also with such great faith. He put his body and his life into the hands of the One who truly can keep him safe.
It says in Philippians 4:13:
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me,
[I am ready for anything and equal to anything,
Through Him Who *infuses inner strength into me;
Through Him Who *infuses inner strength into me;
I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]."
(amplified version)
Nik's feat was an inspiration. The strength of his faith and the depths of the confidence he has in himself and in Christ is what sets him apart. He proved that if you set your mind to something, you really can do anything.
There are many different kinds of artists. If you have an undying passion for something (whether its computers, writing, painting, dancing, singing, performing, sports... anything!!) and you put 110% of your heart, your soul, and your life into that one thing, then you are an artist. And Nik is definitely an artist.
No comments:
Post a Comment