Even though we had no real time-line, Gramp was purpose-driven. We stopped and looked at rock stores. My grandpa was passionate about making jewelry. He was all about family, God and gemstones. It was right up there with Gunsmoke re-runs on the list of things that had to happen every day. He made jewelry from precious gems and stones. He ground rocks down and bought settings for them. He was fascinated by rocks and their history. I never knew how he knew what was inside of those stones and what he could create once they were open. My sister and I would often help him pick out rocks. He valued our opinion. He always talked about African malachite stones, his favorite. After picking rocks, we often stopped at some greasy spoon, the kind that has duct-taped seats, and where the waitress’s name was always some form of Mabel. She would have as much character as the establishment. Everyone knew Gramp by name and said hello. He was a “regular” everywhere he went.

My grandfather wasn’t an outgoing personality, or a man of many words. If I waited for the well of his thoughts long enough, he had a lot to say! There was a wealth of wisdom and oneness he shared with the stones. His ambition wasn’t really to sell his jewelry; it was to make it and share it. The look on people’s faces and the pleasure was enough for him to keep grinding. With each gift, came an education on that particular stone and its origin. He would just give them to anyone that took an interest. My Gramp was daring. Not many men wear rings on every finger, or accessorized quite like him. He inlaid everything with gemstones; belt buckles, key chains and bolos. He wore them all at once, and with pride, everyday! When he passed away, I treasured his rings the most. The other belonging of his I kept was his bible, always opened to The Lord’s Prayer. His heart and soul lives through them for me. Isn’t that true for most people you know that are truly living with passion?

I’d like to take you on the “back road,” to discover the spirit of your purpose and passion. What I have discovered about finding your purpose is that it usually finds you. There may be a catalyst involved, however; the spirit of your purpose lies in passion, and the gems you have to share. Not just words or multiple-choice questions. When you discover your purpose, not only does it trickle off your tongue without memorization, but you will have some sort of body rush that will align your mind and spirit. When it is right on, you will feel the bells chiming and usually when spoken, people will get a rush from hearing it. If the bells aren’t chiming, maybe there is more to take a look at. Open the rock and look deeper. It is an experience that only you can feel. Start by knowing a few things first. Your focus has a tendency to move towards your passion. You have to consciously remove yourself from thinking about it. Your resources are endless and so is your knowledge. Better than in a computer, because you can access it even if your computer is shut down. It is in the file folder named “inspiration.” It has unlimited capacity and features that are immeasurable.

 What is my passion and purpose?

What road do I take to discover? The high road.
If I asked you to talk about your favorite topic or thing right now, what would you share? You have 10 minutes to talk about your favorite subject. Your clarity would surprise you! It isn’t a speech you need to prepare for.

It is something that you might say without knowing.

What it is that you are passionate about? All the reasons why you love it are the reasons others will love it. You can probably create anything from it. It is the epicenter of love and self-expression for you. You can’t learn enough about it. You study it, research it, even without knowing sometimes. It may involve the person that invited you or the catalyst of introduction. They saw something you didn’t know was there. A gem!

You would share the history... even if it is just your history with it. What sparked or sparks you about it.

The spirit lays your self-expression. You wouldn’t need to worry about forgetting anything because it comes from your Source. It is your song that always comes first on your IPod. The file folder keeps opening files that pertain to the subject. It is your song. You know every word. You can sing it faster or slower; with instruments or without. It all ends up with the same outcome. Your words and your passion ring high and clear. It “inspirits” you. It occupies a space inside you.

I don’t know how Gramp could look at a gemstone that was crusty and weathered on the outside and already know what was in its heart. If he were here today, I would ask him what his favorite part of the process was: Opening the stones to discover their depth; or placing the gems in the settings to share with someone.

What is the spirit of purpose and passion? LOVE. As the Beatles sang, LOVE is all you need! There's nothing you can do that can't be done…Nothing you can sing that can't be sung. No matter how you sing it. It’s easy. All you need is love, love. Love is all you need!

If you are inspired by this story, write me. Tell me your thoughts or feelings.

www.Inspiringthehumanspirit.com

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