He was surprisingly thoughtful and eloquent, and this snippet really struck a cord with me:
“When I was about 28, after a decade as a professional comedian, I realized one night in LA that the purpose of my life had always been to free people from concern…… When I realized this, I dubbed my new devotion, “The Church of Freedom From Concern” — “The Church of FFC”— and I dedicated myself to that ministry.
What’s yours? How will you serve the world? What do they need that your talent can provide? That’s all you have to figure out. As someone who has done what you are about to go do, I can tell you from experience, the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.”
Sometimes I struggle with what I write about on this blog when we live in a world where there are blood clots and cancer, domestic violence, job loss, mental illness and addiction. Reports of children being beheaded and people buried alive and genocide. Real issues and heartache abound all around me, and I write about how to fix a leaky hose or paint furniture?
There are so many big things happening in the world. Who am I to spend my time and energy thinking, photographing and writing about things that are ultimately insignificant?
And yet we all need a break from the hardships of life. That’s what I like about reading home blogs, and writing one – it’s a small respite from the real responsibilities of life. I’m not going to claim that this blog is my life’s purpose, but….
What if a small little insignificant idea I post about here inspires someone to do something around their own home that makes their life easier, or teaches them a new skill?
What if someone comes here, and they laugh, or they watch a video that makes them smile, or they just take a mindless break from whatever they were doing? What if this little blog can lighten someone else’s burden in some small way?
I mean seriously, it would be a crime to keep things like how to get the wrinkles out of slipcovers or how to make your chalkboard lettering look really good or how to make homemade bed risers or how to cut a chair rail return to myself.
Plus I like to hear myself talk, so there’s that.
So how about you my friend?
How will you serve the world? What do they need that your talent can provide?
I can’t wait to see.
xo,
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
So well said! One of the things that I love most about your blog is that your inspiring, uplifting soul shines right through. Can't wait to see the projects you have in store (especially whatever you've got going on in that last image – it's a beaut!).
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
sweet and thoughtful post- and i can't wait to have my life changed by your hold project!
pam {simple details} says
Not only do I love coming here for your beautiful projects, and sunny outlook, but your thoughtful perspective is always inspiring! Just the other day my friend (a single mom without a big budget) said she had to spend big $$ for a new key, guess what I told her? 🙂
Simply LKJ says
Great perspective Lisa! We may never know those who's life we have touched in sometimes even the simplest of ways.
Dana Frieling says
Well said, Lisa. Most of us will not know the impact we make on others, this side of heaven at least. It doesn't have to be life-changing…any positive impact is good in my opinion!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You are a bright spot in my day. …and well, said Jim Carrey.
Vel Criste says
Well-said Lisa. We all say that we blog for fun and to share, and I think the second reason alone is enough to give meaning to the what-seems-to-be sometimes mundane posts we put out there.
We can't all be eloquent writers and write scathing and wonderful op-eds about things around us. Your right, blogging about our homes and projects are light-hearted and easy to read, and a distraction to the seriousness around us.
So I say, Go ahead, write about you QTT's or write a whole post on the ebola virus once in a while, and I'll read – after all, I read because I want, and because I need, some 'distraction' once in a while. 😉
Gypsy Heart says
I totally agree with your post! I think of all the violence, tragedies, loss of human life, etc., and I wonder about blogging about "things". Seems so vapid to me but I love your point about someone finding an instruction of how to unplug a drain rather than the expense of hiring a plumber. So many situations like that come to mind.
Thank you for sharing your heart!
xo
Pat
Summer Hogan says
I often struggle with these feelings too! I love your perspective! Thanks for this!
Andrea says
Ha Lisa, you are such a breath of fresh air. I share your feelings about blogging and I have come to the same conclusion. If we can inspire or entertain just one person, it makes it seem worth it. For the record, I really look forward to your blog post, no matter the subject. Have a great week!
Jenny says
Well said! And for what it's worth, I found your chalk lettering technique highly educational and extremely helpful! So, are you going to post about how to fix a leaky hose? Because I have one that needs fixing! 🙂
Calypso In The Country says
I often have those thoughts but I feel that blogging can be a great escape. We all deal with difficult times but we all need a place to have fun too! I always enjoy reading your blog Lisa! Oh and I love the Jim Carrey speech. He makes you feel that anything is possible…
-Shelley
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
What a beautifully written post my friend. So well said!!! Thanks for sharing!
Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says
I love this post so much, Lisa! You never know when you are going to inspire someone or be the escape that someone needs in their day. Keep shining your light, friend! 😉
Privet and Holly says
Love you, friend!
xo Suzanne
Nancy C. says
I am thankful for your blog. I am a 1st grade teacher, and I just finished my first week back at school with a new crew of 1st graders. I am exhausted and stressed and not looking forward to the fact that I need to work this weekend. Since my life is so out of balance this week, I decided tonight that I could only look at non-teaching related blogs, and of course yours was one of them. Thank you for helping me create some balance in my life!