A spark.

Yesterday, I went to a seminar on helping children find their spark. Specifically, the seminar focused on military children, and the importance of utilizing each child's spark to assist them in thriving through adverse life experiences that they may experience as a child of a parent in the military. I went in with no expectations, and left with more information than I could dream. The seminar wasn't just for military children... or even just children... but rather something that adults could benefit from... something that I, personally, could grasp and use.

During the introductions, we all had to stand up and give our names, location of work, and what is a "spark" in our lives... something that we feel passionate about. I sat toward the back of the room, so I was one of the last people to go. While everyone was introducing themselves, I searched my mind in thought about what I felt my spark was. Many people mentioned children (whew, I'm good there) or their jobs (I love my job, and I find fulfillment, but it's a paid fire-setter). Eventually, I had to stand up and give my schpeal.... I blurted out that my spark was cooking.

What?!

Throughout the seminar, while absolutely INCREDIBLE information was being presented, my mind kept flipping back to my answer, and honestly... I wondered why I said cooking. With the exception of the past week, I can't remember when the last time was that I cooked dinner for my husband. My dishwasher rarely needs to be run. I have grand plans and a Pinterest board full of amazing recipes.

And then I remembered.

While cooking wasn't something that I feel was passed down to me from family members (I only have one "family recipe") one of the things I remember from childhood was cooking dinner for my family. My mom worked late, and I was in charge of my little brother after school, and so I'd cook. I often pretended that I had a cooking show, and spoke to the blank space behind the stove like it was a video camera. (I know, I know, move over Rachael Ray.)

And then I remembered how I feel when we entertain... how I scour cookbooks and online resources for the perfect side dishes. Using almost every pan in my kitchen, I love cooking for people. I love feeding them tasty food, and hearing chattering and laughter around a dining table.

And then I remember cupcakes, and how excited I was to find my most recent favorite recipe for Lady Cake with Quick Lemon Icing from the 1964 Joy of Cooking that my husband found the other day.

I light up.

It's my spark.

It may not be children, your work, or cooking, but I think that we all have and NEED a spark. We may not be able to engage in it all of the time, but we need to know that something is spark-worthy in our lives. It could be gardening, crafting, healthy living, or volunteering for a cause that fires your soul.

Whatever it is, I encourage you to make time for it. There are so many things that try to drag us down in this world. We need to spend more time with our sparks so that we can set our souls on fire!