There is an excitement and joy in creating. Who doesn’t love to work on a project or idea and see it come to fruition in something complete? In the midst of our day jobs, work and other obligations, I think it is so important to take time to create.
We all have different gifts, talents and abilities that were given to us for a purpose. We each bring different skills and ideas to this world that we should use to create beautiful things. What I am able to create is different from what you can create. Our abilities are unique because of the ideas and vision that only we have.
It is both our obligation and privilege to create. Our skills are uniquely ours and are meant to be expressed. Many people are already using their talents and abilities in their work and making great contributions to our world. Others are using their talents as a hobby and adding beauty to the world simply for the joy of it. Either way, there is so much good in using the unique gifts we have been given in ways that only we can.
God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others’ God’s many kind blessings.
The Bible, 1 Peter, 4:10
Joy in Creating Goes Through Phases
I’ve gone through many phases of being creative in my life. As a child, I loved to do crafts of any kind. It was a favorite after school activity and way to spend my time with friends. We would take a trip to the local hobby store and buy supplies to make something new. I loved working with my hands and seeing a finished product that was meaningful because I made it.
During my high school years I loved to create with music. I would combine my cello and piano playing with recordings to make “duet” songs with my two instruments. I also played in the orchestra and loved to hear the sound of the music come together. The overwhelming sound that all the instruments made when coming together on the same score was amazing to me.
In my early years of marriage and family I entered the world of scrapbooking. I loved to relive the memories of each photo as I creatively cropped, stamped, stickered and taped my pictures together to tell a story. It was an arduous process but I felt so much joy in creating these scrapbooks that reflected my life and my style.
In my current phase of life I am finding joy in creating through cooking and writing. I enjoy the process of looking for new recipes, working with food and my hands to make something healthy and sustaining for my family. I also use writing as an outlet for my creativity and love to share my ideas with others.
Why Creating is Important
We all work hard on the many things that are required of us just to sustain our daily lives. Things like house cleaning, jobs, parenting, marriage, managing homes and money all take time and energy. Leaving or making time in all of these things to create is a great outlet. It’s easy to get lost in the process of creating. When I am being creative, I feel less stress. I feel a distance from the troubles and worries of my day. For me it is a great escape. To me, creativity seems to be such an integral part of being human – a need we all have to use our imaginations and develop self-expression.
Tapping into your creativity has many benefits. Creating can help you problem solve and to use your mind and body in a different way. Creating something also provides a sense of accomplishment that brings feelings of joy and fulfillment. This article by Medical New Today states that studies have shown proven benefits of creativity. Being creative is shown to improve mental health, boost brain power, increase immunity, decrease stress and even improve our health and fitness.
The Many Ways to Find Joy in Creating
The possibilities for expressing your creativity are endless. You can express your creativity through gardening, writing, knitting, scrapbooking, decorating, painting, acting, singing, building, taking photographs, designing or cooking just to name a few. You can use your creativity to make money through a business or simply to enjoy as a hobby. Whatever your method and goal, I encourage you to find joy in creating and see the good that it can bring to your life.
Challenge for This Week:
Make a list of your talents and abilities. Think of the ways you enjoy being creative and what things you have enjoyed creating in the past. Then carve in some time into your week to tap into your creativity. Promise yourself at least one hour to explore your creative side and experience the joy and satisfaction of making something new!