I just returned from a four-day trip to Washington D.C. We whizzed through the Natural History Museum on Sunday and visited the National Archives building, along with zipping through the National Air & Space Museum on Wednesday. But for two glorious days in between I was in art heaven. My eyes feasted as I wandered alone through the National Gallery of Art taking in all the magnificent talent of the centuries. Then in the time remaining I hurried through the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum and Portrait Museum. Fabulous places! I couldn’t help but think that God had certainly blessed a multitude of people with amazing talent. Imagine that: God created us in His image; He is a creative God who created us to create. Kind of mind-blowing! I most certainly believe that God has endowed each and every one of us with the ability to be creative. It may not be with clay, paint, pencil, charcoal, or other “artistic” means, however, it is there often overlooked in our everyday lives. It could be the way a mother opens the eyes of her child to new worlds through play or a wiser and older person mentors an up-and-coming prodigy. It could be as simple as a friend encouraging a friend with a smile. Creativity comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. It is simply about using your own unique talents to see with fresh eyes, to solve a problem, meet a challenge or shed new light on a dusty subject. Opening minds to new possibilities and growing–that’s what God wants for us–to carry on His creative spirit through our lives. I believe God is pleased with Degas’ “Little Dancer,” Rembrandt’s moody oil paintings and Cezanne’s blocky landscapes. After all, they are the creations of His creation.
