Where do you get your inspiration?

I have a wonderful story about my brother in Christ, Mark. Sometime, you can ask me and I'll share it with you in person.

I've known Mark for about 5 years now, and I can honestly say that the more I know him the more I love him. I love him when he's sloshed in the spirit. I love him when he's busy. I love it when he is worshiping and I love it when he prays. It goes without saying that I also enjoy talking with him. He's a remarkable person.

When I read this excerpt on his blog (listed under "Rabbit Trails"), I was inspired and challenged:

When I was cleaning up the kitchen yesterday, I thought to ask the Lord to teach me and speak to me. Immediately, this lesson on the Holy Spirit came to me.

My task of the moment was to apply some oil to our new wooden cutting board. As I applied the oil to the board, the lessons were revealed. First, the oil brought forth the beauty in the wood that was hidden only moments before. The light brown surface was transformed into swirls of different rich browns and reds. Second, what was unseen and only hinted at was now completely revealed with surprising clarity. Instead of the dull, flat tan of the wood there was vivid swirls and grain patterns. Thirdly, there was an easy to see difference between what wood was light and which was dark - discernment. The lines between light and dark were clear and there was no halfway. Lastly, the Lord showed me that the oil made the wood impervious to water, stains, and any oils coming from items cut up on the board.

To read the interpretation of this lesson, click here. So my question is, what types of things inspire you? What moves you? Where do you look when you want to raise your thoughts above the daily shuffle?