Try Something New: Rediscover Your Heart’s Creativity
Like many, I like to try new things whether it’s reading a new book, walking a different path, planting a new type of flower in the garden or experimenting in the kitchen with a new recipe -- I can go on and on! I find that when I try something new, it encourages me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and, as I often say, “spread my wings”.
When I was thinking about a new art project recently, trying something new led me to welcome in a memory of something I used to do and enjoyed from my earlier years. It has been a little over a year since the last time I painted and I hadn’t tried this style of painting in years! I dusted off my paint box, cleaned my brushes and prepared my canvas in an area of my garden that basked in the natural light of day, while providing me with a little shade from overhead.
My heart was being led to create. The morning sunlight was perfect for a day of painting. Birds serenaded me from above and sweet aromatic fragrances of the garden complimented my senses. It was time to begin my creative journey. I began a rhythmic dance with the canvas, painting through the late afternoon. As the sunlight began to soften and an evening haze washed over the garden, I knew it was time to pack my things up for the day.
I came inside and sat in my favorite chair with a cup of tea to review the day’s creative journey. I pulled out my colored pencils and sketch pad to create notes on things I would like to add to the painting tomorrow. I took another sip of tea and quietly sat back to take a breathe and reflect upon the day and recent conversations with friends and colleagues. I began to see a common thread: those who stretch their souls to try new things open the heart to the rediscovery of favorite creative sources from years passed.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
A friend shared that she was playing the piano again after stopping for a long time because her husband surprised her with a piano for her birthday. She found her old music sheets tucked away in a box and now eagerly plays every day! Another friend shared that even though she was retired, she was keeping her knowledge fresh by reading her medical books and journals.
Another colleague shared how she rediscovered her love for singing as a way to create calm after a busy day. And, yet another friend shared how she found joy in dancing—something she hadn’t done since taking dance lessons as a child.
…and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. Exodus 35: 31-33 (NIV)
As I finished my last sip of tea. The vibrant glow of reds and golden yellow hues from the evening sunset began to flood through the window. I gathered my notebook and color pencils and set them aside to revisit in the morning.
The early morning sunlight welcomed me to start another day of my creative journey. And, after several hours, I completed my painting. I could almost feel the presence of our Heavenly Father’s love wash over me as my heart filled with joy from this creative journey!
While the painting began to dry, I put away my artist supplies. I took a stroll to embrace the afternoon sun casting soft blankets of yellow shadows across the garden. I grabbed my cutting shears to clip off a few flowers. While putting together bouquets I began to realize that trying something new is such a wonderful adventure that enhances our soul and spirit and refills us with joy.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:28 (NIV)
With my new painting resting on the easel in my studio, I made a cup of tea and once again sat in my cozy chair with my favorite wrap draped upon my shoulders. I took out another notebook and found one of my favorite ink quills that I have not used in several months. I began to draw, inspired by the fresh bouquets of flowers from the garden. Just like the recent conversations with my friends and colleagues, I was “spreading my wings” and trying something new. Trying something new really does give us a different perspective on things we love to do.
As the evening sunset colors began to wash through my studio again, I put down my quill, took the very last sip of tea and, with a deep breath, sat back and my chair with praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for his everlasting love and encouragement that inspire our creativity.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
Before turning in for the evening, I opened my Bible. And, as I began to read the word of God, I was reminded of the deep richness of God’s word and how it gives us a newness of hope and love that renews our soul and strength daily.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
May I encourage all of you to open your hearts more to God’s love to discover something new.
…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)
