Playing Favorites

One of my favorite artists is Stevie Wonder. His talent is one of the clearest gifts from God I have ever witnessed. What is most remarkable to me is that the blind-since-birth star never used his disability to hinder him from becoming a great artist or human being. Despite his own shortcomings, he has an astute awareness of the world in which he lives without even laying eyes on it. That compassion is displayed in his music and philanthropic work.

His album, Songs in the Key of Life, is one of my favorites. It was released in 1976 and was his 18th studio album. He was 26-years-old when he produced it. It was shared that he was and is a perfectionist, often not eating or sleeping until he was satisfied with what he’d created. The album was one of his most popular albums and one that many other artists cite as their favorite Stevie Wonder album.

One of my favorite songs from the album is the song “As”. It features a beautiful musical arrangement but what is most special to me is the way he describes love. Each stanza featured in the song adds to the depth of the love of which he is proclaiming. His soulful voice is the icing on the sweet cake. His works are a testament to what can be produced when raw talent and hard work beautifully meet and harmonize.

As we continue along in this third month of the year, I encourage you to find new inspiration. Inspiration is what gives us the courage to create whatever it is that we are intended to do. There are still things in this life that can be conquered, and you are the person to do it. All it takes is a spark to light a flame! So, take time to wrap yourself in your favorite things and find the inspiration to make progress in this year.