Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places and inspiration struck while attempting to find a new food that my kids would eat. Typing in "How to Make a Calzone" on YouTube this week, I found a video that drew me in - just one among the 44,000+ entries I could I chose. It featured Frank Pinello.
This born and bred Brooklynite comes from pure Italian roots and has created pizza nirvana called Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I had never heard of Frank or Best Pizza, but I found myself wishing I could get on a plane to NYC to try a piece.
Why? Well, because good pizza can be amazing (although I try to limit my cheese intake these days). But it was more his passion around his work and I quote, "This just feels it's like what I'm supposed to be doing." Frank has found his sweet spot - creating a life and a pizza that he's proud of and passionately enjoys.
(Here is the interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQvLumr2nVo)
Not only was I drawn to the idea of consuming some Best Pizza, I believe that we are all drawn to those who have found what they enjoy. We get energy from seeing people perform in their sweet spot - take Julio Rodriguez at the home run derby this week. That was electric!
Today, Caden completed his week at JazzEd music camp. He performed with his fellow music camp students with so much pride and enjoyment in the moment that it made me teary. Although he's just learning and not proficient at any instrument yet, it was the energy (and confidence) I saw in him as he started to lean into the gifts that God has given him.
Isn't that what God wants for us? To enjoy the gifts he gives us, to find the places where we passionately thrive and where we bring an energy to this world that is God-given and draws in others.
As summer marches on, maybe this is a time to experiment and see where you find energy and enjoyment. Resurrect a hobby or talent that has lain dormant because life has taken over. Or maybe there's a new skill you've wanted to learn, but not taken the time. Could this be an opportunity to find where you thrive and as well as, what activities and skills bring joy and energy to your kids? Our kids are watching us and seeing how we navigate life and often replicate our way of being. If we are living into our gifts and being energized, I wonder what that might do for our kids?
It could be as simple as making a homemade pizza.