Find what you love, then do it. And, do it with passion.
This advice has been given to me several times recently. Of course, I know this. But, I had never really stopped to figure out what it means for me.
Last month, KK, one of our squad leaders, and I were having a conversation about how I was feeling drained, and not myself. She asked me if I had ever written down the ways that I am filled up. I had thought about it, but had never actually written it down. There is something about putting things down on paper that makes them more real, more concrete.
So, I sat down, and made a list. Quality one on one time with others. Interaction with animals. Communication. Creating things.
I almost didn't even realize it until after I had written it down. Creating things fills me up. I've always known that I enjoy the arts. I've always been the one on stage, drawing in my sketchbook, singing in the car, writing stories. But, I didn't realize that when I am not creating things, I run dry.
Of course, I didn't really pack all of my craft supplies to bring on the Race. I brought a pencil bag with markers (which have been life savers many times), but other than a handful of times, I hadn't had much of an opportunity to be creative on the Race.
Once I realized this, I set out to find ways to create. I drew in my journal. I delved more into photography and videography. I wrote more.
I also started thinking of creativity as a characteristic of God. I think He is kind of the expert on it. I mean, He created the world, and everything in it. And it is good. Have you ever sat and marveled at the beauty of the colors of the sunset, the stars in the sky, the laughter of a child?
(Photo from Pinterest)
Those who experience things that are created, and made beautiful, definitely benefit. We get to experience, and be enveloped by the beauty. Experiencing this beauty makes us feel beautiful. It makes us sigh, it brings joy, makes us feel alive, and sometimes even overwhelms us so much that all we can do with the overflow of emotion is let tears well in our eyes and fall down our faces.
This is the same joy I experience by creating things.
I used to think that it was pride, that feeling after I've created something. And truthfully, sometimes it is. But, I've been realizing that finding joy in the creation of things, and that I was able to bring it about, is good.
In Genesis, when God was creating the world, He creates something, then looks at it, and sees that it was good. He created light. And God saw that it was good. He created the sea and land. God saw that it was good. He created the stars. God saw that it was good.
If our lives are supposed to be about becoming more like the Lord, this is a part of it. I've realized that God is being glorified, and revealed in me when I create things. Like a proud parent with their child's crayon drawing, He loves when I make things, and show them to Him.
I also love sharing them with others. I want others to share in the joy that I have found in the drawing, photo, video, song, or whatever it may be.
I know what I love. Taking things and making them beautiful. Capturing the beauty of a moment in a photo. Painting. Writing to bring you into my life, and to share the stories of others.
To do that as a job? That would be a dream come true for me. This last weekend, we were able to visit an organization called Destiny Rescue, which rescues girls from the sex trafficking industry, trains them in several trades, and gives them the confidence to succeed in life. I met their staff writer, who, through a series of events, began writing a personal blog, and eventually ended up in Thailand with DR as their storyteller.
This is one of my dreams for my life after the Race. I have no idea what that looks like for Josh and I, but I have found what I love.
Now, I just have to do it, and do it with passion.
