Seasons

I'm a creative person. It's taken me a long time to finally allow those words to cross over my lips. Not sure why, exactly...maybe if I "admit" that to myself there is some kind of responsibility to actually create something unique and original. And that is a lot of pressure!

Just like you, my life has seasons. Sometimes I am crazy busy, no time to think, create or care for my soul. In those times, I'm dry, distant and feel a wee bit lost and can't seem to find my way back to me, let alone God.

I even have specific seasons that are associated with my level or interest in creativity. Sometimes I'll enroll in any class I can just to learn something new: a stained glass class, a jewelry class, pottery class - all at the same time! I'm pretty much a "jack of all trades, but master of none."

Other times I'm dead set set on focusing in only on one interest, say...writing, and all I want to do is that. Right now, I'm entering a new creative season ~ a new outlet for creativity...cooking. Lately, all I want to do is read cook books like they are intriquing novels and I meander the aisles of Giant seeking out strange ingredients for complicated recipes. The challenge of tackling a recipe with three parts and 30 ingredients is stimulating. It's funny because just a few months ago I shied away from any recipe that called for more than five ingredients.

I used to be hard on myself for trying many different creative avenues, driving down each one to see if it's a place I'd like to call "home." But I'm still exploring new roads to see where they take me...and I'm not sure I'll ever locate my final destination. But that is okay. I've learned to enjoy the journey that I'm on, seasons and all. God gives me these new interests - each time expanding my mind and stretching my abilities. He meets me in every one. Soon I'll have my hands deep in the earth's soil planting new life and creating a welcoming garden. I know I'll meet Him there too.

What creative season are you in? Maybe it's a blooming season? A place where He is calling you to try something new? Or maybe He's calling you back to an interest which has been shelved due to the demands of adult life? Or maybe you are in the dog days of summer season where creativity is low, or feels dry. Don't ignore the little nudge you feel to create. Listen, and let God surprise you...

grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn