I talk to some people that wait for motivation to come their way. Like a neon message floating through the sky, they think if they will wait long enough it’s sure to come. But it doesn’t.

And that’s a problem because we all need some motivation. We walk a narrow road. It’s not always easy. Following a calling will have challenges. Problems. Setbacks. Just ask Abraham or Issac or Jacob or Joseph or David or Esther or Nehemiah or Mary or…you get the point. It seems I’m getting a little bit smarter about what motivates me:

• Time to reflect
• The embrace of my children
• The ability of my wife to create a peaceful environment
• Music
• Unconditional acceptance
• Discipling people to live a clear calling from a secure identity
• Training leaders
• Seeing leaders lead
• Seeing artists bring creativity to help people and solve problems
• Seeing condemnation fall away from people’s lives
• Reading
• Learning about something that interests me
• Collecting experiences
• A clean and orderly work space tastefully designed and decorated
• Soaking in the scenery
• Coffee
• Pictures of my fam
• The smell of my wife’s perfume
• Having a plan (including a budget for pursuing dreams)
• A conversation with someone who challenges me to step up
• Having friends where there are no secrets
• A clear and specific picture of the future goal
• A walk, a firepit, a beach, a pool

I know I’ve forgotten some. What motivates you?