Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s)
So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 (AMP)
In my life so far, I’ve always enjoyed creating. Whether it was a song, or a blog post here, or a book of those posts, or even a meal. All the way back to some of my earliest memories of making little books at my Grandma & Grandpa’s house with my craft-loving grandma—I’ve always been a creator.
Lots of times that reminds me of God, the Creator. I know, as the quote from Genesis reminds us above, that we are made in God’s image; we are like him. That probably includes the ability (and desire) to create. We are mini creators.
This can take all sorts of forms. Some create buildings, some create art, some create works of literature, some create new technologies. We are likely all wired, on some level, to create.
I’m guessing there is a hole in this very sweeping premise somewhere, but it does seem like a piece of the core of our being: we are made to create.
Which might be why I feel so restless recently.
For a long while, much of what I’ve been doing with my time is managing the creations of others. Sometimes I do this in my work, managing software and technology created by others, as well as maintaining business accounts and data. Other times it is the current stage of being the father of six incredible mini-creators, which requires much time and energy to sustain them as well as cheering on their creations. And, truthfully, often I find myself managing the dissemination of products that I created at some time in the past. In all of this, I am often neglecting time for my own creating.
(I do still find time for some pretty tasty culinary creations, though.) 🙂
Knowing this is good, and knowing that it’s likely only a season is also helpful, but I do think that there is a serious deficiency for me as a “content creator”. A deficiency that I am hoping to find ways to fill.
One is this blog. I love to write out thoughts. It may be that it inspires thinking in others, or hope, or faith, or action, but even if no one reads it, it does help me to write (create) it.
Another is music. I know that music is a part of my being. Intentionally sitting down at the piano or grabbing my guitar and spending time “creating” music is life-giving to my soul.
I’m also trying to be very intentional in writing a book I am working on (actually, a couple books, but I am focusing on one primarily).
However the opportunities present themselves, I really do believe that I need to be creating. I am made to create.
Are you? What is it you’re made to do? Are you doing it?
If you’re not, I’d recommend—from my current personal experience—to pursue it. Intentionally. Fervently.
I believe it’s important to be in the place you were made to be. May your week be full of chances to be who you were made to be and what you were made to do!
Hi Greg,
I’ve been exploring writing myself and have posted on various forums over the years. One such forum is The God Journey. The admin of that forum, Dave, saw something I wrote and encouraged me to explore writing and provided me a link to your blog here. My greatest challenge is myself, for I tend to be extremely self-critical, and I also have an illness that makes it difficult for me to concentrate and filter thoughts to where they can come together into a cohesive whole. Like you, I work with computers, installing, configuring, tweaking (my favorite), upgrading and repair. Anyway, I’ll let you reply when you find time and thanks for any feedback/advice.
That is a difficult hurdle—self. Self-conciousness, self-doubt, etc. I’d say if you feel made to create (via writing, or otherwise) then let it happen. Even when it’s difficult. I believe God can and will work in that. (First for us, and our relationship with him, and then, if he wants, to allow our creations to turn others toward him. Amazing…)
Thanks for your advice, Greg. I suffer from depression and anxiety so I tend to hesitate before committing to anything requiring a substantial amount of my creative energy. I will have to pray deeply about this decision.