It all started a few days ago when I read a tweet by Allison Vesterfelt (you really should check out her blog, you know…it’s really that good) that said: “Instead of asking people what they do, ask them what they’re passionate about. Great advice from @theminimalists (you should check them out, too).” So I posted the statement on my Facebook page, and that’s when the fun began.
As people “liked” my post, I specifically asked them what they were passionate about. People were readily willing to answer the question. What great and interesting answers there were:
- Baking!
- Accompanying other musicians on the piano
- Kids. From teaching Sunday School to coaching soccer. I love working with kids.
- My family
- Good words. However they are expressed.
- Helping my students be the best they can, my family, and following the Lord
- Training, equipping, and encouraging people in the gifts God has given them
Then someone asked me what I was passionate about. The funny thing about your passions is that they are right at your fingertips. You don’t even have to think about what they are. You know immediately.
So, I said: “I’m passionate about helping and encouraging people to chase after their dreams.” I immediately thought about how I helped our kids do that. I thought of how I loved encouraging college students to do it in my thirteen years of teaching at a university. I thought of how, even now, I have a mentoring group of four young men that I love encouraging to pursue and follow after their dreams. I provide them materials to read that will help them think and dream. I encourage them to write down goals. I enjoy one-on-one time with each of them to provide personal encouragement.
But that isn’t my only passion. The small amount of space on social media won’t allow for my other passions, things like:
- My family
- Music of all kinds
- My relationship with my Savior
- Biking
- Date nights with my wife
- Eating good food
- The Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers
We are complex people who have many and various kinds of passions. But it sure is fascinating to ask someone what theirs is, and hear which is the first to come out of her mouth. It gets deep into the depths of a person with one quick question and answer.
So I’m going to ask you. I want to know you better. I want to learn from you.
What are you passionate about?
I originally said my passion was baking, I love it. I especially love watching people eat and enjoy what I’ve baked, that made me think maybe my real passion is making people happy. I think over all passion is what drives you. Making sure that my Boys are happy makes me happy.
Love this, Maggie. Making people happy is a wonderful passion to have…and if it involves food, even better as far as I’m concerned!
I’m passionate about mentoring, encouraging, influencing, the health of my soul, painting w watercolors, vintage cocktails, and creative advocacy.
Great post, Tom. I needed to write these things down today.
Tom, I LOVE this….”So, I said: ‘I’m passionate about helping and encouraging people to chase after their dreams.’ I immediately thought about how I helped our kids do that. I thought of how I loved encouraging college students to do it in my thirteen years of teaching at a university. I thought of how, even now, I have a mentoring group of four young men that I love encouraging to pursue and follow after their dreams. I provide them materials to read that will help them think and dream. I encourage them to write down goals. I enjoy one-on-one time with each of them to provide personal encouragement.”
Thank you, so much, Randy! You don’t know how much this means to me. And I LOVE your list, too. From what I can tell, you hit the nail on the head.
I’m passionate about spending time with my wife and kids as that is the first ministry God has given me.
Passionate about quality, heartfelt worship. Helping people get closer to God and coaching worship teams
achieve excellence in worship. I’m also passionate about living a quality, purpose filled life.
Thanks for asking.
Thanks, Scott. What a GREAT list this is. I love that your first ministry is to your family. Too many people miss that and mess it up. Excellent!
What a great question! I plan to ask it – and answer it – more often. Thanks!