Genetic Blog {Two}

Passion: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.

Recently, I discovered how important passion is in the world. It is the driving force behind many things in this world.

As I began brainstorming on our Personal Essay topic, I was at a loss. For the past 8 years, I lived in a small town in Northern California that I had grown to love. I appreciated every aspect of the area, simply because I knew one day I would have to leave and all I would have to go on was memories. 

While I devoted myself to the betterment of Lake County, I didn't really have a global perspective on certain situations. Sure, I was passionate about the area and the people there and the activities I was involved in, but it didn't extend past the county lines.

I realized that passion causes us to do wild, unthinkable things. Those moments when we look back and think, "How did I make it through THAT?"

Passion is what pushes scientists to spend sleepless nights doing research in labs.

Passion is what makes a young man leave all he's comfortable for two years to serve the Lord.

Passion is what causes music to touch you.

Passion is what is felt in good writing, home-cooked food, and art.

It is what brings the world such wonderful things. If Edison wasn't passionate about the lightbulb, we wouldn't have it. If the Founding Fathers weren't passionate about freedom, we wouldn't be where we are today. If Joseph Smith wasn't passionate about the Gospel, I would bet that he wouldn't have endured all his trials.

So maybe my passion has been Lake County for the last eight years. Maybe I dabbled in other areas as well. But now, my passion can benefit the people of the world. I just have to decide what that passion is.

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." - We Bought a Zoo