I realize that the title I wrote for this article could come across as vague. What I’m talking about is the location I am in when I think of my best ideas for Deja Reviewer articles and other things. Some people go into the woods to be alone and think of something creative. Others listen to music in the privacy of their own home. How about me?

Where I Go to Get Ideas

There is one place that I consistently have ideas flow into me. It’s when I’m at church, of all places. I can be listening to people sharing their testimonies of Jesus Christ, and I’ll suddenly have an amazing idea for a Cinematic Chiasmus article, hilarious joke, or some other off-topic thought that is brilliant.

I used to think that was a deficiency in me. I mean, why would I be thinking of movies or article ideas when someone is pouring their heart out about heavenly things? But I think the Holy Spirit just speaks to us in different ways.

For example, when I hear the story of Elisha saying, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them,” I immediately think of a pivotal scene in The Three Musketeers (1993). When the titular musketeers look outnumbered, hordes of fellow musketeers appear out of nowhere to join their ranks. And Athos yells those immortal words, “Save the King!” If that’s not a spiritual experience, I don’t know what is.

What Makes That Place Special

I think what makes it possible for me to get ideas at church is because I’m not on my phone, I’m in a spirit of listening and deep contemplation. I’m paying attention to everyone around me and trying to soak in what they’re saying. This level of attentiveness is crucial to me being open to new ideas. Plus, I’m surrounded by the Spirit of God, so revelation is just in the air.

Why Not Get Ideas All the Time?

If all it takes to get ideas is to avoid distractions and focus on heavenly things, why don’t I do that in more places than at church? I can think of two reasons. First, I’m not a perfect man. I have faults aplenty. It’s definitely a worthy goal to become more spiritual and be in the world but not of the world. I’m working at that every day, even though I’m not there yet. Second, I feel like times when I’m left to my own devices are there to teach me something I can’t gain if I’m always so uplifted. Even Moses and Christ were left alone at times, so why not me, too? Am I better than them? Certainly not.

I should point out that I don’t go to church for the sole purpose of getting interesting ideas. That’s simply a happy byproduct of being in the right place. My main purpose is to worship God and do my best to serve my brothers and sisters. But I always have a pen and paper ready to write anything that comes to me.

Do you have a special place you go to get ideas from? I’m all ears. And yes, I did come up with this article at church.

This is the Deja Reviewer bidding you farewell until we meet again.

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