How Can Creativity Lighten Your Soul and Mine
If you think you are not creative, read on
Hi friends,
I hope you are enjoying my weekly posts to you.
How can creativity lighten your soul?
We are made in the image of God—the ultimate Creator.
So God created human beings - in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, NLT)
God has woven creativity into our very being. As children, we naturally explore the world through imagination and play. If nurtured, our creativity flourishes, helping us embrace new experiences with joy. But sometimes, outside influences stifle that creative spark, leaving us hesitant or unsure.
A childhood filled with creativity
I grew up in a home where creativity was encouraged. My sister and I spent hours playing with dolls, putting on puppet shows, and crafting tiny paper villages on the card table. Looking back, those moments were pure joy.
Then school happened.
Sitting still was hard, but I wanted to be good—so I was. Thankfully, I loved learning, and my grades reflected that. Except in art. My teachers had a specific way they wanted things done, and if your creativity didn’t fit their mould, it didn’t count.
I remember one art project vividly. We were making pottery—an ashtray, of all things (it was a different time!). After shaping mine, I carefully added a design at the bottom, something I was proud of. But when the teacher came by, she smudged my colours into her own version.
My creation was no longer mine.
Thankfully, at home, creativity was still alive. My sister and I kept playing, drawing, and making things. I doodled constantly and loved copying artwork I admired. But in school, I simply followed the instructions.
By high school, creativity took another hit
I signed up for art class, only to receive a discouraging grade—a 68. For someone used to 80s, that was crushing. Feeling like I wasn’t good enough, I dropped art altogether.
Years later, as a teacher, I made sure my students had the freedom to create. Unless a lesson had a specific skill to teach, their artwork was theirs to shape. Seeing them enjoy art class mattered to me.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped creating for myself.
Rediscovering creativity in midlife
Fast-forward 40+ years. I signed up for a watercolour class—nervous and convinced I couldn’t do it. But the instructor was kind, and to my surprise, I had fun. I took another class the next year, with a teacher who encouraged exploration. One class led to another, and every summer, I found myself returning to paint.
Yet, I never picked up a brush during the rest of the year. “I’m too busy,” I told myself. But the truth? I lacked confidence.
Still, the desire remained. Deep inside, I wanted to draw. I wanted to paint.
Next week, I’ll share how those watercolour classes led me to embrace being an artist.
If you think you are not creative. You are wrong. It’s buried inside you but it’s still there.
Do you sometimes have a desire to try to draw or paint? Wendy MacNaugton inspired me anew with her Substack lessons.
Even if you missed the first 30 days, you can go back and do those lessons. Wendy is offering a free month. Just email me and I will send you information.
May I pray for you and me?
Heavenly Father, Creator, you created us to be creative beings. Help us to see this fact. Help us try new things. Help us be bold. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Here are a few of my latest pieces of art
A highlight for one of my books
Martha is overwhelmed with stress and worry. She's determined to make everything perfect for Jesus' visit, consumed by concerns about the food, the house, and the plates.
But when Jesus arrives, her sister Mary stops helping and sits down to listen to him, leaving Martha with even more to do.
Frustration boils over as Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help.
Will Jesus instruct Mary to assist her sister in the kitchen?
Can Martha handle everything on her own if he doesn't?
What will Martha do next?
For ages 8 and up.
I love that you didn't give up on your creativity. Thanks for sharing and for the gentle reminder to be creative.