(by Lorie Codispoti)
I’ve never bought into the idea that only a small percentage of people are creative. I think every human being has been endowed with a measure of creativity. Some may be more visibly creative than others, but creativity has never been limited to a small set of talents.
Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
So the question isn’t whether or not you are creative. The question is about discovering, or rediscovering, what’s always been there.
THE BACK STORY
At the front of every creative endeavor is a back story:
~ Did you know that the woman who invented roll on deodorant was inspired by the way the ink flowed from a ballpoint pen?
~ After a dinner party, Josephine Cochrane noticed that some of her heirloom dishes were chipped. Her desire to find an alternative way to clean dishes, coupled with her desire to relieve tired housewives, is what inspired her to invent the automatic dishwasher.
~ My daughter and her husband built their new home with hospitality in mind. Her interior design reflects an atmosphere of welcome. I asked my daughter what inspired her creativity and she replied, “When I see a cold void I want to soften it.” That not only fits their home, but the way they love everyone God sends their way.
MOVE FORWARD BY GOING BACK
If we want to fully understand the nuances of inspiration, the best place to start is by going back - to the beginning.
The word “inspiration” is derived from a word that means “God breathed.” Think of that in light of the creation of man. God created us “from the dust of the ground” (Gen.1:27, 2:7). The interesting part of this passage is that until God “breathed into his nostrils” there was nothing but the clay model of a human. It was God’s inspiration that started man’s heart. It was His breath that gave birth to humanity.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God….” (2Tim.3:16) Take time to ponder that statement for a minute. God breathed life into us at creation, and out of His great love, He gave us His word to inspire the way we live. And, as if that weren’t enough, when Jesus commissioned His disciples (and us) He infused them with inspiration when “He breathed” new life into them and said, ‘Be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:22)
Inspiration originated with God. Without Him everything would revert back to the dark void that came before His breath of life.
The book of Job tells us that “If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.” (Job34:14-15)
THE CATALYST
Many ordinary things have served as catalysts for some of our favorite works:
~ J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle Earth is said to be based on a 14 acre mystical woodland he frequented.
~ After being caught in a violent, midday storm, and then experiencing the beauty of birds singing in the bright sunshine afterwards, Swedish preacher, Carl Boberg fell to his knees “in humble adoration” giving birth to the nine-stanza hymn, How Great Thou Art.
~ The inspiration for the hit series The Chosen, emerged after a devastating career disappointment for its creator, Dallas Jenkins.
~ Thomas Kinkade’s paintings were filled with light, partly inspired by his impoverished childhood, but he also credits the supernatural light was inspired by his encounter with Christ.
STIR IT UP
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” (Heb.10:24)
The writer of Hebrews is telling us to motivate each other. This word figuratively speaks of both sharpening the mind and stimulating each other to love and good works. Well, you can’t stimulate something that isn’t innately there, right?
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph.2:10)
Your inspiration may never produce a world famous work of art, best seller, or a famous hymn. You may never invent a travel machine that takes you across the country to Grandma’s house (My six-year-old grandson’s goal.), but you were born with an ability to create. When God breathed life into our bodies He inspired us to copy His creative nature and reflect His beauty. No other creature shares this unique expression.
So, what are you waiting for? Get busy creating and showcasing your astounding ability. And don’t forget to stir up inspiration in those around you. We could use some more of God’s beauty on display in our world right now.
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