Inspiration

It has been said that an idea is the most powerful thing on earth.  Certainly every great invention began with an idea but did it really begin there?  Is an idea the starting point?  An idea is a process of the intellect.  Far deeper within us there is something that births ideas and that is inspiration.  The dictionary defines the word inspiration as, "the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative."  Therefore the great inventions, works of art and beneficial philosophies originated with inspiration.  Inspiration brings creation!  Imitation only brings rearranged sameness.  I like all kinds of music.  I have to be in a particular mood, but I can enjoy 1960's Rock and Roll, Classical, Country, Bluegrass, Sacred, and yes even elevator music.  One thing is critical to me regardless of genre though, it must be an original thought.  There have been a few remade originals that I have liked but even then there must be some new creativity or it is boring.  Sameness bores me terribly and I think that is true of most people.  Just like inspiration leads to creation, imitation leads to sterilization. It brings no life and in time, within the imitator, will destroy the ability to be creative.  Why isn't there more creativity?  It must be because there is not a lot of inspiration.  
The journey from inspiration to creation may be a long, laborious trip or it might be an almost instantaneous incarnation of an idea.  Regardless, inspiration is a process that originates in the spirit of man.  When the spirit of man is united and reborn by direct contact with the Spirit of God, the only true Creator, there is the potential for spiritual creation.  The great composer and believer, Felix Mendedlssohn wrote the Aria  of Elijah, O Rest in the Lord.  It is a powerful song of the dealing of God with Elijah.  When he began to read I Kings he said this Aria just began to flow.  It has been called possibly his best work.  Inspiration brought about creation.  Too often we "try" to be creative.  From our frustration we are tempted to go to the rancid waters of imitation.  If we would only "wait upon the Lord" we would come to the artesian well of inspiration from our Holy friendship.  From that covenant connection flows original creativity.  A desire to be creative should take us directly to the Lord Jesus, our only true connection to the Heavenly Father, the Creator of heaven and earth.