Refresh your creativity – February 11
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 88; PM Psalm 91, 92; Gen. 27:46-28:4,10-22; Rom. 13:1-14; John 8:33-47
How do you nourish your creativity? Is it through using your hands to string beads as you pray for someone? As you craft poetry or prose, for your own self, or for someone you love in preparation for a special day? Do you pick up a paintbrush covered in sparkling colors, boldly making lines and swirls on a piece of paper? Do you open your voice and belt out notes of your favorite song, as the tune echoes in your head and off the walls of the shower? Or maybe you find yourself daydreaming as you imagine where those strawberry plants will be the perfect accent for the garden.
As I sit on this sabbath morning, preparing for a day of rest ahead, I feel God calling me to nourish my creativity. How is God nudging you this morning?
My reflection today is short. It is about a person and a prayer for each of us. Frances Jane Crosby, usually referred to as Fanny Crosby, is a name well-known to church musicians. Fanny lived from 1820 to 1915 and wrote songs like "Blessed Assurance", published in over 900 different church hymnals. She was known to presidents, preachers, and people of all walks of life. Fanny was blind from infancy, though this did not diminish her creativity or faith. She is said to have written 8,000 hymns and also published books of poetry. When asked about her blindness, she said, "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Join me in praying this prayer for artists and writers, so that as we listen for God nudging us today, all that we do is inspired for God's glory:
Eternal God, light of the world and Creator of all that is good and lovely: We bless your name for inspiring Fanny Crosby and all those who with images and words have filled us with desire and love for you; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
Who is a person in your life who has helped shape your understanding of creativity? What is it that stimulates creativity in you?
How do you see limitations in your life as openings to new avenues of freedom?
Daily Challenge
Spend 30 minutes today doing something creative and fun - and say a prayer to God, giving thanks for the gifts given and brought to life within you!