I have described myself in many different ways throughout my life-from athletic to musical to extroverted. But one word I have never used to describe myself is creative. For those who know me well, you know that I hate crafts, can’t draw for the life of me, and struggle with any appreciation for art. Museums are not my idea of fun, and art museums were the worst kind to me.
Two weeks ago my squad had our month one debrief, a week to relax and to have one-on-one conversations with all of our leadership team. During my one-on-one with our mentor Kacie, the topic of creativity came up. I was thrilled when I heard her say “I used to think I was not a creative person at all” and I quickly chimed in “I’m actually the least creative person ever! I’m awful at all art and creative things”. Then she dropped a truth bomb on me. I AM creative, because God is creative, and I am made in His image. So I have no excuse to go around saying I’m not creative anymore, because it is a part of who I am. She then encouraged me to begin to find my creativity, which honestly terrified me. I had spoken over myself that I wasn’t creative for as long as I can remember, so how do I even start finding that part of me that I never knew existed?
I started with a poem. I had no clue how to even write a poem, but when I sat down to write last week’s blog, I just had this feeling that the words God was giving me needed to be in poetry. So I just started typing, and within a half hour I had my very first poem written out. I then felt God prompting me to post it, so I put my first attempt at creativity out on display for everyone to see (which is absolutely terrifying in case you were wondering).
My next step was painting. Later in the week I was walking around our base when one of my teammates asked me if I wanted to paint with her. My face must have said it all because she quickly followed it up with “its ok if you don’t want to dude, its not a big deal”. I was so ready to turn her down and tell her I didn’t paint when I remembered what Kacie had told me, and I agreed to spend that evening painting with her. Let me tell you, it was one of the most relaxing nights I have ever had. We both put in headphones and listened to music and watercolored for hours as the rain poured down outside. My paintings are by no means masterpieces, but that doesn’t matter, because they are still creative.
For the first time in my life, I can honestly say I am excited to continue to explore different paths of creativity. But most of all, I am excited to continue to learn what it means to be creative because I am made by the ultimate Creator.
