C is for Conceived Creativity
Yesterday, I came across a touching quote from Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life. The truths taken directly Scripture deeply touched my heart, reminding me of concepts I've been trying to get my hands around over the past few months.
Just a few weeks ago, I was moaning to my husband that I wanted to go for Glamour Shots in the mall. Of course the idea was put in my head by a coupon shoved in my hand as I sprinted by the studio. My husband couldn't understand why. I explained that I wanted a nice photo of myself, specifically for my speaker's bio, and that it would be lovely to have a professional capture me...without the flaws. He saw right through my facade and into the heart of the matter: I just don't think I'm pretty enough without the help of fancy cameras and lots of makeup. I admitted that he was right. He went on to remind me of my beauty, but I just balked at him and said the usual, "Well, honey, that's what you think since you're married to me."
That was the last time I'll ever be able to use that excuse. My husband was royally offended. He said, "Why do you believe everybody else's opinion, including your own critical eye, and not mine?" Oh, no, I thought. Is that true? Yes, I admit it is. And then I was convicted even more. I realized that I've been critical of my own Creator's work. How horrible!
How would I feel if one my creations stood up and rejected the time, effort, and expression I put forth? I would be so offended, I'd probably destroy the piece all together. Ah, but again, we witness extravagant grace of God at work. He could easily wipe His creation from existence, but instead He endures our constant criticism and abuse. He allows us to live, while deeply longing for our gratitude and appreciation.
So on one level, this passage by Warren reminded me of my newfound understanding of God as my very own creator, and my mission to be a creation that appreciates His work. On the other hand, it also provided a bit of unexpected instruction. Not only am I created with a purpose, but I also happen to be a person that is brimming over with creativity. I've come to learn that not everyone is put together this way--with an insatiable need to create. I'm recognizing that it spills over into every area of my life, from how I arrange my home, and how frequently I rearrange it, to finding pleasure putting on makeup and assembling a wardrobe. It doesn't stop there. I love to produce creative things--painting, photos, ceramics, graphics, invitations, knitting, sewing, writing!
This cycle of creativity became a bit of a joke just last weekend. My mother-in-law and I took the girls to an outdoor art show. Each booth we visited exhibited a different medium--from ceramics to photography, oils to acrylics, jewelry to hand-sewn linens. Every imaginable creative expression was before us. With each artist we spoke to, I began with the same introduction, "Yes, I've done a little bit of...." By the end, we were laughing that I am a jack of all trades, but master of none. At first it was amusing, but the more I've reflected on this truth, the more uncomfortable it has become. I've wondered, what is the reason that I've done so many things with my creativity, but haven't stuck with something long term?
I don't have an answer, yet. I suspect it may be because I've been trying to find satisfaction in things and doing instead of being still with the Lord. It may because I have been afraid of missing out on something, so I dabble in order to be involved. Or quite possibly, it just may mean I've yet to find my niche. Regardless, this passage from Warren gives a hint of one way to proceed as I look to become more of a master and less of a jack. As I look at God, the ultimate Creator, I see a brilliant example to follow. His creations begin in His mind. He has a plan to follow. And ultimately, He has a reason for His work. His work is not haphazard. It is purposed. In my opinion, it is conceived creativity, which provides a concept worth exploring and a pattern worth following as I continue to investigate the why's and what's of my own creativity. Yes, conceived creativity is something I think I'll spend some time thinking about!
__________________________________________________________You are not an accident. Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature… Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. He thought of you first… He custom-made your body just the way He wanted it. He also determined the natural talents you would possess and the uniqueness of your personality… Most amazing, God decided how you would be born. Regardless of the circumstances of your birth or who your parents are, God had a plan in creating you. It doesn’t matter whether your parents were good, bad, or indifferent. God knew that these two individuals possessed exactly the right genetic makeup to create the custom “you” he had in mind. They had the DNA God wanted to make you… God never does anything accidentally, and He never makes mistakes–He has a reason for everything He creates… God was thinking of you before He made the world… This is how much God loves and values you.This passage hit me on a number of levels. To begin with, these words contain truths that most of us don't often believe. How often do we look at our circumstances or appearances through the lens of criticism rather than appreciation?
Just a few weeks ago, I was moaning to my husband that I wanted to go for Glamour Shots in the mall. Of course the idea was put in my head by a coupon shoved in my hand as I sprinted by the studio. My husband couldn't understand why. I explained that I wanted a nice photo of myself, specifically for my speaker's bio, and that it would be lovely to have a professional capture me...without the flaws. He saw right through my facade and into the heart of the matter: I just don't think I'm pretty enough without the help of fancy cameras and lots of makeup. I admitted that he was right. He went on to remind me of my beauty, but I just balked at him and said the usual, "Well, honey, that's what you think since you're married to me."
That was the last time I'll ever be able to use that excuse. My husband was royally offended. He said, "Why do you believe everybody else's opinion, including your own critical eye, and not mine?" Oh, no, I thought. Is that true? Yes, I admit it is. And then I was convicted even more. I realized that I've been critical of my own Creator's work. How horrible!
How would I feel if one my creations stood up and rejected the time, effort, and expression I put forth? I would be so offended, I'd probably destroy the piece all together. Ah, but again, we witness extravagant grace of God at work. He could easily wipe His creation from existence, but instead He endures our constant criticism and abuse. He allows us to live, while deeply longing for our gratitude and appreciation.
So on one level, this passage by Warren reminded me of my newfound understanding of God as my very own creator, and my mission to be a creation that appreciates His work. On the other hand, it also provided a bit of unexpected instruction. Not only am I created with a purpose, but I also happen to be a person that is brimming over with creativity. I've come to learn that not everyone is put together this way--with an insatiable need to create. I'm recognizing that it spills over into every area of my life, from how I arrange my home, and how frequently I rearrange it, to finding pleasure putting on makeup and assembling a wardrobe. It doesn't stop there. I love to produce creative things--painting, photos, ceramics, graphics, invitations, knitting, sewing, writing!
This cycle of creativity became a bit of a joke just last weekend. My mother-in-law and I took the girls to an outdoor art show. Each booth we visited exhibited a different medium--from ceramics to photography, oils to acrylics, jewelry to hand-sewn linens. Every imaginable creative expression was before us. With each artist we spoke to, I began with the same introduction, "Yes, I've done a little bit of...." By the end, we were laughing that I am a jack of all trades, but master of none. At first it was amusing, but the more I've reflected on this truth, the more uncomfortable it has become. I've wondered, what is the reason that I've done so many things with my creativity, but haven't stuck with something long term?
I don't have an answer, yet. I suspect it may be because I've been trying to find satisfaction in things and doing instead of being still with the Lord. It may because I have been afraid of missing out on something, so I dabble in order to be involved. Or quite possibly, it just may mean I've yet to find my niche. Regardless, this passage from Warren gives a hint of one way to proceed as I look to become more of a master and less of a jack. As I look at God, the ultimate Creator, I see a brilliant example to follow. His creations begin in His mind. He has a plan to follow. And ultimately, He has a reason for His work. His work is not haphazard. It is purposed. In my opinion, it is conceived creativity, which provides a concept worth exploring and a pattern worth following as I continue to investigate the why's and what's of my own creativity. Yes, conceived creativity is something I think I'll spend some time thinking about!
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4 Comments:
Yes, you are brimming with His creativity inside you!! Enjoy it and let it glorify Him.
hugs,
Vicki
Both of my pregnancies have ended in traumatic birth experiences. In my 2nd pregnancy, my daughter turned out just fine but in my first, my son experienced and very difficult first couple of years, including a kidney transplant which will require him to be on immunosuppressent drugs for his whole life. Recently I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition which, my doctor says, has probably been undetected for a long time and probably caused the childbirth trouble. I've been feeling guilty about this and going through all the "what if's" again in my head, which doesn't do anybody any good. Reading your excerpt from "The Purpose Driven Life" today brought back the truth that God was in control just as much then as He is now and He indeed decided "how he would be born" down to the last detail. Thanks for the reminder! Love, Laura
You are such a beautiful blessing.
Your site is so beautiful, both to the eye and the mind...it is inspiring, and will take more time to check out...
Thanks for being faithful to the God who put that creativity in you!
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Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa