Have you ever said, or heard someone say, “I’m not a creative person.” It is very common to compartmentalize creativity to the realm of writers, musicians, architects, and artists. It is a fallacy that creativity belongs only to a select group of people.
All of us are called to be creative for we are made in the image and likeness of God who is the Ultimate Creator. From the moment of our creation, this gift has been given to each of us in some degree. We are called to develop it, and to participate the building of God’s kingdom.
Being creative is an essential part of what it means to be human. It is also a difficult concept to define. Countless descriptions and quotes about creativity exist. The very perspective you have on life can be your “creative gold”. So can cultivating a spirit of play and child-like wonder; living a life that inspires you; and time spent in quiet solitude. Creativity emerges from our deep inner world.
When we respond creatively to our gifts, we bear much fruit, and that fruit is of good size. It is no less nor more than God himself.” We bear the fruit daily a hundred times… or countless time, giving birth and becoming fruitful … This puts God into rapture and unimaginable joy.
…Author unknown
Even when not feeling inspired, forget yourself, let go and allow ideas to flow. Trust that these ideas will come from that part of your being where the Creator Spirit dwells.
Pieces of genius will find their way to you if you give yourself permission to let the Spirit move with you. Take some quiet time each day, and practice. Even on uninspired days, try something new, attempt something different, write something, bake something, carve something, develop something you would not ordinarily do. Creativity exists in every dimension of life. It may be as simple as arranging a few wildflowers for the table, creating a new recipe, cutting the lawn in a unique design, or working on a difficult equation or an innovative computer program. Teaching, managing, organizing, developing projects- all offer multiple opportunities for creativity to flourish. It may take a good deal of work but your creative spirit will ultimately emerge. The author of “The Book Thief“ rewrote the first part of his very popular novel 150 to 200 times.
It is obvious creativity comes with a price: a great work ethic and dedication. The reward is beyond measure, and holds a deep sense of the power of the Infinite Creator working within you.
Henry Miller suggests the groundwork for living a grace filled creative life.
Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music- the world is so rich, simple throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself!