Are you the creative, artsy type? Or an artist wannabe? Maybe you’ve had yearnings for a long time to have some sort of creative outlet to express yourself, but you’ve stifled those yearnings because “life” keeps getting in the way.
I want to encourage you to begin to unearth those buried dreams!
As wives and mothers, we can get so busy caring for the needs of others that we forget to dream or play or create. Even the Proverbs 31 Woman made coverlets, cushions and tapestry rugs for herself (Pro. 31:22 AMP). And there should be no guilt involved in taking a bit of time for yourself on a regular basis. Find a hobby that you enjoy and pursue it.
Ask the Lord for a creative outlet for yourself. Seek His heart concerning your gift or talent. He is the Creator, after all. He can give you inspiration like no other can! He will give you all the things you need to succeed in your creative endeavors.
In Exodus 31:3, speaking of Bezaleel, the Lord said, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts and every kind of artistic work.”
If the Lord did it for Bezaleel, He can do it for you!
Deuteronomy 28:12 says, “The LORD will…bless all the work of your hands.”
So not only will He gift you with ability and creativity, He will also bless the work of your hands! (What an awesome scripture to stand on for a crafting or baking business!)
In her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer writes,
“Christians should be conscious of the fact that we are created in the image of God, and should recognize the importance of living artistically, aesthetically, and creatively, as creative creatures of the Creator. If we have been created in the image of the Artist, then we should look for expression of artistry, and be sensitive to beauty, responsive to what has been created for our appreciation…
The fact that you are a Christian should show in some practical area of a growing creativity and sensitivity to beauty…
People so often look with longing into a daydream future, while ignoring the importance of the present. We are all in danger of thinking, ‘Someday I shall be fulfilled. Some day I shall have the courage to start another life which will develop my talent,’ without ever considering the very practical use of that talent today in a way which will enrich other people’s lives, develop the talent, and express the fact of being a creative creature,” (pp. 32-33).
Wow! This is so true of so many people – especially mothers, who put everyone else’s wants, needs, and desires ahead of their own.
If you have a desire for a creative outlet and the time necessary to create, then I encourage you to make it a priority. Carve out a small work space and a block of time each day (or 2-3 times a week) to create in some form or fashion.
There are many different areas in which you can use your artistic abilities. Here are just a few to consider:
Drawing, painting, mixed media art, scrapbooking, knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, needlepoint, embroidery, candle making, weaving, rug making, pottery, ceramics, glass blowing, calligraphy, quilling (paper filigree), welding, woodwork, basket weaving, baking, interior decoration, etc. The list goes on and on!
Whatever your mode or medium, as Edith Schaeffer wrote, “Express yourself…in what you can produce yourself, with some degree of originality, craftsmanship or artistic creativity.”
Tapping into the creativity that is on the inside of you and expressing yourself with something made by your own hands will truly nourish your soul!
The Greater One lives in you, and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (1 John 4:4, Phil. 4:13)
