What the World Needs Now--Inspiration!

Recently at the Rotary club I’m a member of, our program was presented by a man named Hal Weller, the founding director (now retired) of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra.  Yes, for those of you who believe Las Vegas is a cultural wasteland, there is classical music, ballet, theater, jazz, art and all manner of other cultural resources here!! 

But on this particular day, Mr. Weller wasn’t talking about the philharmonic.  He was talking about a music program that teaches children as young as 3-years-old how to play the violin.  You may have heard of the Suzuki Program.  He shared some video of a group of children—kindergarten and 1^st graders—from a low-income, at-risk school in Las Vegas who were enrolled in the violin program.  It brought tears to my eyes as I watched these tiny violin players screech through a rendition of Twinkle Little Star. 

Then he talked about the mission of a non-profit he founded, the Foundation to Assist Young Musicians (FAYM).  Finally, a young man who is a product of the Suzuki program (and a beneficiary of FAYM support) came forward to perform a violin solo that moved everyone to tears!  At the end of the meeting, our club presented Mr. Weller with a check that enabled 10 of these budding musicians to attend Suzuki Violin Camp the next week here in Las Vegas. 

So last week I decided to drop in to check out the camp where about 50 young musicians—ranging from about 4 years of age up to about 12—were preparing for the concert they would deliver later that day.  To say it was inspiring is a serious understatement!  Awe-inspiring comes closer to the truth.  To see the orderly rows of children watching their instructor with rapt attention (okay, so some were gazing up at mental daisies), bows ready and responding to his every cue with precision and focus was indeed something to behold.  And the sounds they produced were beautiful; well beyond my expectations; no screeching here!! 

I share this story with you because I walked away from those programs inspired.  I’m inspired to be part of Rotary, an organization that looks for ways to give back to the world, not just financially but with volunteer time, energy and expertise.  I’m inspired by people like Hal Weller who seek to serve the world in ways they will never be compensated for financially, but do it anyway!  And my exposure to this inspired and inspiring group of children and adults is a reminder that I need regular doses of inspiration in my life and that our world could use regular doses of inspiration as well. 

Some years ago I wrote a personal mission statement that included the word “inspire”, as in, “I want to inspire others to tap their gifts and use them to create a more wonderful world.”  The very word “inspire” means “in spirit”.  But all too often I allow the stresses and challenges of life to squeeze out the inspiring and uplifting.

So this week I ask:  What inspires you?  What lifts you up beyond the mundane and ordinary; beyond the circle of your own self-interest?  What makes your heart sing?  And what underutilized gift do you have that might be a source of inspiration to others?  How long has it been since you felt truly inspired, and what do you intend to do about it? 

Spend some time this week seeking sources of inspiration.  Could be music, art, a great book, worship, exercise, cooking, decorating, being out in nature or any of hundreds of other inspiring sources.  See if that inspiration” might be just the catalyst you need to re-ignite a passion, offer your hands, your heart or your ear to some worthy cause, or even share a long-dormant gift with the world. 

Just imagine what our world would look like a week from now if every single person sought out a source of inspiration and then passed their own inspiration back to the world.  Wow!  I’m inspired just thinking about it!!  In the meantime, I think I’ll give my inspiration some legs and see if there is a way I can lend support to my new friend Hal and his fledgling organization.  The world is waiting for you to get inspired and engaged.  What are you waiting for? 

To an inspiring week! 

PS-For more information about FAYM visit their website at http://thefaym.com.