What inspires you?

I was asked this question this week. I have a huge heart for people...especially the hurting, lonely and ones that feel like they don't feel valued. I don't know why this compassion is so strong. I truly care about people. I can read someone's hard day by their face and body language and God stirs compassion for them in me.
I grew up with minimal resources. That's a nice way of saying not much. It felt like Christmas when we'd get hand-me down clothes. Seeing as though my dad wasn't able to work much of my childhood years, my mom tried so hard to make our house a home while working full-time. They both loved the Lord but definitely struggled like many families do. I don't think that they taught me how to have compassion for others, but I believe they prayed that our early years would help mold us into who we (me and my siblings) are today!
What inspires me? Sometime ago, I realized that God hadn't given me wealth, popularity or much of what society would value 'good'. I was self-conscious, shy, and had many fears. I watched a Christian program and heard a woman talking about what I could relate to. As I listened, I allowed my heart to open to what she was saying. I heard that being self-conscious was a way of being 'full of myself"...no one had ever explained it that way before. I thought I was being humble but I actually was living a life that was 'all about me...and my insecurities". From that day forward, I asked God to help me. And did He ever!
From being afraid of people, their opinions and never feeling accepted by them to God has given me today, so how can I spend it! Everything changed. My world. My thought process. The reason why I did things. All changed. For the first time in my life I felt joy. Freedom to give...without me benefiting. It has been a process. I am struggling with how much I can give...but it is in the core of my being. It is so exciting to have a reason to live. A reason to love. A reason to give. I know that my hubby has been a gift from God...encouraging me to reach my potential and never stopping at 'good enough' or 'some one else can do that' type of response or attitude. Doing everything for God's glory matters to not only God but to everyone on your journey. How I react makes others want more of God or less of Him...and I know how God desires me to live. Yes, I fail... often but I am not a failure. I ask for God's grace and He pours His mercy into my life and typically with another challenge for me to show love to others. It's about hearing His small, quiet voice. I once heard my uncle say the statement "The road to hell is paved with good intentions"and that has been powerful in my life journey. It's not about me.
So today, God has given me today. How can I show appreciation and shine God's light for those around me? I have spent way too much time in self-focus, criticizing others in the past...I choose to love not on my own strength but a love from my Heavenly Father.
What inspires you?