Passion

Over the course of a brief visit with a friend,the conversation turned to things we each really enjoyed - projects and woodworking . The man told us about designing and building his own home...the challenges along the way and the creative and unconventional solutions that made the whole project so satisfying . Although he spoke with quiet intensity,his eyes sparkled and the energy generated by his passion and joy fairly crackled around him . It was a wondrous thing to behold !
Why is this so rare ? Why are we,as a people,so devoid of passion ? Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines passion in part as having deep interest or zeal for something. This passion involves committment to something...learning a skill and perfecting it,so that whatever you're making is imbued with your joy...a perfectly executed,beautiful creation...be it a fragrant pie...a handcarved letter opener...a basket woven for a dear friend...a silky-smooth art-quality wooden spoon...or a home built with your own loving hands to shelter your family .
Can't we be passionate about our jobs...doing our best...for the love that brought us to that career? If you don't love your job , is it possible to get training in what you do love and switch to it ? Could you make your passion a satisfying hobby,while keeping your day job ? We were given talents and abilities,that make each of us unique...that enable us to contribute to our families and communities in a meaningful way. Be an artist in whatever you do...pour yourself into it and see what happens. You will never be the same and you might just enjoy yourself !