Invitation to Exploration
If you’re a bit puzzled by what pursuing your creativity looks like, that’s normal.
The discovery process is finding out what makes us come alive. It’s knowing what you love to do—which isn’t always the same as what you’re paid to do or even as what comes naturally. You may be amazing at a skill that brings you no joy. It pays the bills but doesn’t bring life. I’m not saying you should stop doing that. I’m suggesting you also start discovering what makes your heart beat faster.
Surprisingly, I’ve found this is actually hardest for those who are good enough at numerous pursuits. The problem is they aren’t sure where to focus. So they do a lot of things pretty well but never slow down to go deep and fully master any one thing.
The invitation is to exploration. Spend time thinking of what made you come alive as a young child. What happened to that desire? Did you set it aside for the more practical aspects of life? Or did it get diminished or attacked by the enemy enough times that you just gave up on it? Spend time remembering . . . and learning to dream again.
Even more important, invite God into the process. He’d love to stir and awaken the longings he placed in you before time began. Understand why God designed you to be creative in the unique ways you are. Then align your motive for why you create with his motive for making you, you. This relates to the trueness of who you are and how you create. We’ll explore that more a bit later.
But the goal here isn’t just to know more about your creativity. That pursuit keeps the focus on us. The journey to deeper, more authentic creativity—the kind that has an eternal spark—never starts or stays there.
True creativity begins with the Creator. Desire to know him. To spend time together, on walks, in conversation. Ask him questions. Share your dreams and disappointments. Read Scripture. Soak up worship music. Spend time in movies and books that draw you closer to him. I promise you this: the more you pursue God, the more you will find him in new and unexpected and playful ways.
How could that experience not change your art? How could it not change you?
Tomorrow’s reading offers a practical exercise to help identify your creative sweet spot.
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