The importance of creating is undeniably huge! As a mum I see how my example of creating for the sake of joy (not obligation) impacts my children, and the next generation. So I encourage you today as you read to take bold steps to just create with whatever it is God has given you, and by doing so it would encourage the next generation to rise and make their something out of nothing – what a powerful thing!!!
Every human is an artwork and every human is an artist at work – Erin McManus
1. Creativity is an outlet.
No matter what form creativity takes, it is an avenue worth pursing, something we can utilise to express ourselves, our emotions or talents. For me, it was always in song. Songs I made up where ever I was, about what I could see and what I was doing. Teaching myself piano on the 80s mini Casio demo by rote singing it first, then matching the notes on the keys was where it all started. Learning four chord progressions for church songs on a crappy hand me down keyboard with no weighting and sounding like a honky tonk, void of rhythm. Playing in a band with my friends and writing cheesy Jesus songs. Saving up, going halvsies with my folks for my first real piano. Playing on my new piano every afternoon after school. Worship leading. For me it is song – it doesn’t matter what form that takes. The next generation will find their niche where they let their voice resound and there they will find their state of peace too.
2. Creativity encourages and releases you to greater things and a greater you.
Being creative is inseparable to who we are. Fundamentally, we thrive when we are creative. I love being free to make things. When there is a creative dry spell I get despondent. This is a key factor in knowing who I am and how this creativity when channeled well, empowers me to be the best me possible. By engaging our imaginations and forming the pictures or sounds in our minds we clear space to dream bigger and have the courage to pursue it. Creativity when pursued gives way to confidence. A confidence to keep trying. Creativity is in all of us if we dare try it – it might differ to an other, but we are all creative in some form. I want others to see the importance of my creative overflow and encourage them to dwell there also.
3. ‘Creating for joy’ is a hobby and making time for experimenting is important.
If life is only made up of work and no play, it is a sad existence. We need time to play – even as adults. Having something to find release in is imperative to find balance – which we all need to be truly happy and satisfied. Discipline is a lesson learned in hobbies – playing scales and learning chords was all a part of my journey to song writing, prior to my degree it was unknowingly training my ear to hear that certain notes worked well together or others created a dissonance needed. Others plain clashed!! I learned in my fun space. I learned too if I didn’t bother trying to grasp new concepts I would feel more and more frustrated so I experimented further. When I understood my craft, I found whatever I came up with was founded in a deep seeded joy because I loved spending time doing things that give me a sense of accomplishment and pride. Hobbies are a safe, exciting way to learn and a fun space to find peace of mind, or a joy that satisfies!
4. I am my own person (and not just a title: Wife, Mummy, Daughter, Worship Leader).
Being creative doesn’t necessarily define you but it can set you apart. I am always going to be my kids Mummy first up – but I want to exemplify pursuing something I deeply enjoy. I want my kids to know there’s a lot more than wearing the mummy hat in making breakfast, cleaning the house, playing beside them, reading books, kissing owies, or my work hat that makes up who I am. I want them to know I have passions, and desires I want to run after and chase down. I want them to know how to find freedom in creativity because they saw how it freed me. I want them to know every person has gifts and talents they should never give up on. I also want them to know a special part of who I am, so that they can find part of who they are in their own creativity. I want this for everyone, I desperately desire creativity overflow to permeate into the spheres of influence in my world too.
5. Creativity grows you because it allows failure.
Failure is the first step to success. Being afraid of failing has been a real thing in my life, fear of what I manufactured not being perfect or loved by anyone meant set back after set back in my own journey. I was more afraid of what people thought or how they would judge me. But soon enough I kicked off that worry because I realised each little failure is a step toward success. Creativity has the power to grow you, break you and reestablish you. It’s okay to make mistakes, for it to not work or be perfect. Imminent joy is found in a breakthrough from a challenge. Failure doesn’t define you, God does. Working through these challenges allows creativity to push you, and shape you – what a valuable life lesson.
6. Ultimately know your gifts will glorify Christ.
At the end of the day, God has entrusted us with gifts – some big, some small. Some for a life time and some for a season. Creativity first happened in His wonderful hands. His gifts are given to us to grow in to and to learn through them, but ultimately to give Christ all the honour and glory. I pray each generation will discover these gifts and know to treasure them for their time. I pray they will use these gifts to bring God glory, that He would smile upon them as they shine for Him.