By Linda Hogue

There was a time in my life when I began to question everything. 

I suppose that was characteristic of my generation.  During this particular era, I questioned the place of art and creativity, and wrestled with balancing that with my responsibility to make good use of time and resources. 

So I began to wonder about all sorts of things.  I was rapidly growing toward a very utilitarian view of life, and felt I needed to have a practical reason for doing things… for doing EVERYTHING. This, of course, leaves very little room for fun or relaxation or creative endeavors. Though it was before the term “multi-tasking” was common or even conceived, I would have relished the thought.

It can make you crazy.  You can’t plant a flower garden without realizing that vegetables are much more useful.  You can’t spend time decorating a room without thinking you’re not actually accomplishing anything worthwhile.  (And couldn’t that money be put to better use? (There is a lot of need in the world and I’m buying paint and new window coverings!?) You can’t spend time with a friend or enjoy a hobby without wondering if there’s something else you really should be doing. And reading a novel? Well, that time could be used studying Scripture!

Then I came across a book that changed my life.  It was written by Edith Schaeffer and it’s called Hidden Art.  It has since been entitled The Hidden Art of Homemaking, but I like the former name better because it really is applicable to everybody, not just “homemakers.”

The premise of the book is very simple:  We are created in the image of the Creator, therefore…  (you got it) we’re creative! 

How can we argue with that?  But we do, don’t we?  How often do we hear someone, maybe even ourselves, say, “Oh, I’m just not creative!”  Here’s the thing: we must expand our definition of creativity.  It’s not just about painting or writing music or making up recipes or writing or decorating.  It’s also about seeing things in different ways, about being thoughtful and innovative. It covers many, many things in life.  It’s all around us, and all through us.

And here’s something else Edith said about creativity: when we live in it, we exhibit the very nature of God. He is pleased and honored when we’re like Him. It’s very freeing, really.  I can be who God made me to be, without guilt, without restraint. God has built beauty into the very fiber of life, into the very fiber of our being. To express our God-given creativity is to demonstrate the nature of God. And so I encourage you – don’t deny your creativity, but recognize it, express it, share it, and enjoy it!