How do you get inspired living in an uninspirational town?
I find it difficult to get inspired in my town. Sometimes I feel like this is where creativity goes to die. The population of Corpus Christi, Texas isn’t very interested in new ideas. For instance, I’ve lost seven of my favorite restaurants in the last couple years. The reason? They weren’t taquerias, Chinese buffets, or chain restaurants. That’s just one symptom of the mentality of Corpus Christi.
It’s tough to get inspired.
But I work at a church. So not only am I called to this city right now, I’m called to love the people in it! How do I get inspired without constantly seeking escape from this place?
These are a few things I’ve learned (and am learning) about getting inspired in an uninspirational town:
1. Seek out dreamers. Associate with people who dream big dreams. These friends will keep you accountable for your vision and keep you thinking bigger. If you can’t find any close by, connect with dreamers on Twitter or Facebook. They’ll be your support group. Note: Dreamers aren’t necessarily the ones talking about leaving your town. Many people “dream” of leaving their small town…very few do.
2. Find inspiration wherever you can. There is inspiration in your town. You’ll just need to put out extra effort to find it. Drive to locations outside your beaten path. Drive across town if you need.
3. Take a big-city sabbatical whenever possible. Escape to larger cities as often as you can. Make that a priority. Escape to locations that make you feel small.
4. Don’t get caught in the mentality of your town. It’s easy to get sucked into a small mentality in uninspirational towns. This can lead to some pretty unhealthy lifestyles. Alcoholism. An entertainment driven culture. Don’t get trapped by those things.
5. Don’t get caught in the speed of the town. Whether your town is fast-paced or slow-paced, don’t conform to that rhythm. You need to adopt the speed that’s best for you. If you live in a slow-paced down, you may need to speed up. If you live in a fast-paced town, you may need to slow down. Find the time get inspired.
6. Read “big” books. Books have the ability to inspire us even in spaces devoid of inspiration. Read books that make you feel small and make you think big thoughts.
7. Don’t be arrogant. Don’t look down on residents of your town. You do need friends. And arrogance repels people with small visions and people with big visions.
Number seven is especially important for church workers. It’s hard to love the city you’re called for when you look down at them. I’ve met pastors that get arrogant about their visions. They build large churches. But the congregation quickly realizes they’re being used. The pastor dismisses anyone that doesn’t contribute to their vision. Don’t be that guy.
Do you live in an uninspirational town? What did I leave off the list? How do you get inspired?
A very timely article on inspiration in uninspirational towns. One post I’m doing soon on my blog is a picture of Victory Park in Downtown Dallas. I lately began to equate that area with a song that I know. In turn, gears turn and the rest is history.
A very timely article on inspiration in uninspirational towns. One post I’m doing soon on my blog is a picture of Victory Park in Downtown Dallas. I lately began to equate that area with a song that I know. In turn, gears turn and the rest is history.
Also, do you know where someone who blogs a lot can get royalty free pictures, or do you take your own shots?
Check out sxc.hu and istockphoto.com. one’s free…the other costs quite a bit 🙂
Also, do you know where someone who blogs a lot can get royalty free pictures, or do you take your own shots?
Check out sxc.hu and istockphoto.com. one’s free…the other costs quite a bit 🙂
Great post! Thanks for the reminder. My town is 13,000 people, and finding creativity is like trying to find gold – almost impossible. Your first point is my fave – I follow tons of people on Twitter, and I’m always trying to discover other churches and see what they’re doing for ideas.
Great post! Thanks for the reminder. My town is 13,000 people, and finding creativity is like trying to find gold – almost impossible. Your first point is my fave – I follow tons of people on Twitter, and I’m always trying to discover other churches and see what they’re doing for ideas.
Another thing I would add is don’t be afraid of presenting ideas to your Pastor. The sad thing about small towns is that it usually takes 5 times longer to change something than it does in big cities with bigger churches, but keep presenting ideas anyway. Eventually something will change, just keep steady and don’t get caught in the small town mindsets.
Great addition! 🙂
Another thing I would add is don’t be afraid of presenting ideas to your Pastor. The sad thing about small towns is that it usually takes 5 times longer to change something than it does in big cities with bigger churches, but keep presenting ideas anyway. Eventually something will change, just keep steady and don’t get caught in the small town mindsets.
Great addition! 🙂
Thanks for this post, Jonathan. Very timely as God has recently moved us to a small town. A very small town where the average age is 60. There isn’t even a mom and pop coffee shop. There are some larger locations not that far away, but the daily existence can be challenging. These are great ideas. I’m saving this post in my creativity file and will be referring back to it.
Awesome! Hope it brings you a bunch of inspiration in the future! 🙂
Thanks for this post, Jonathan. Very timely as God has recently moved us to a small town. A very small town where the average age is 60. There isn’t even a mom and pop coffee shop. There are some larger locations not that far away, but the daily existence can be challenging. These are great ideas. I’m saving this post in my creativity file and will be referring back to it.
Awesome! Hope it brings you a bunch of inspiration in the future! 🙂