guest post :: jeremy on creativity

Jen asked me about a month ago to write a post. I thought “sure.”  Then, as it came closer to the time, I became more and more intimidated with the thought of wtiting for all of you.  Over the last couple years, Jen has done an amazing job with this blog.  More and more people are reading it, and most of you are moms.  What could I say to you?  You ladies are amazing.  I am writing this as a single parent while Jen is away in India.  It has been 2 days and I am already tired.  More coffee please.  (Note: Now he only has 2 days until I return!) 

Jen had asked me to write of the topic of creativity, so here are some of my fresh thoughts on creativity.

“One finished project is better than one thousand great ideas.”  Awhile back I read this somewhere and it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I am the one who has a new idea every other minute, and I must say that when one of those ideas actually takes shape it is an incredible thing.

Jen has shared her story and how she did not think she was creative.  She always said that I was the creative one, because I had all the ideas.  I was the dreamer, but just because I dream and have more ideas than my wife can handle, does not mean that I am exercising my creativity.  A creator creates.  We all must work and grow in our creativity.  To not exercise our God given characteristic is nothing but a waste, and exercising means finishing.

Yes, this could look different for every person.  For me it is song writing and interior design.  Both came for me out of a practical place.  I started playing guitar and singing songs as a way to connect with God.  I started remodeling houses, because I needed to provide a place for my family to live, and we could only afford old run down houses.  Both have become passions and creative outlets for me.  For Jen it started in the kitchen serving family and friends with great meals.  Then with writing updates to family and friends on this blog, which in turn led to wanting to take better photos for the blog, and we all know where it has taken her, to India exercising her passion for photography while serving the poor.

A couple years back I met an incredible man with a crazy story.  He grew up in Europe and spent 20 or so years homeless in America with a severe drug addiction.  Now drug free he serves the poor in Africa.  He and his wife came and stayed with us in Africa for about a month.  Every day he would play his guitar.  He was good.  One day I sat down with him as he played.  We just chatted about guitar stuff and how long he had been playing.  Then he began to tell me a bit of his story.  He plays everyday and usually plays a new tune each day.  He said that the creative process of playing daily for his Creator has been key for him staying drug free for the last 20 years.  Wow.

I believe that living creatively enables us to live to the fullest, but we must do it.  We must finish it.  Then we will grow.