Kristen Henderlong

I had a moment of clarity today as I considered my day to day purpose in life.  I believe we make it more complicated than it has to be… at least I do.

I would say I am a pretty artistic person.  I love to paint and draw.  I enjoy making something out of nothing.  Those of you out there who do not consider yourself ‘artistic,’ what do you think about this?…

If you believe in God, He is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth and everything in them.  All throughout the Bible you can read about God’s creation.  We as humans are included in the Creation.  If you remember, the book of Genesis makes it clear we are “created in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27).

So if God is THE Creator, and WE are created in HIS image…. Doesn’t that make us little creators, too? 

What if part of our purpose is to be creators, too?  Called to Create.  Created to create. 

Some of you out there have never considered yourself to be ‘creative’ or ‘artistic.’  You’re thinking, “I can’t even draw a stick person.”  I hear you.  Maybe what our culture sees as artistic is limited.  But maybe real creativity is unlimited like our God.  It can look so different from person to person.  Maybe I’m good at drawing, but you’re good at music.  Maybe you’re good at music, but someone else is good at building websites.  Maybe your form of art is in organization and communication; lesson planning; sales marketing; entrepreneurship…  Maybe it’s the way you love someone.  Creativity is not just about artistic ability.  It’s about making something new in your own unique way.

When you were born, you were brand new; a completely original being.  Nothing before you or after you will ever be a replica of who you are, your DNA, or your genetic make-up.  That’s creative; A creation.  You are a masterpiece created by a Master Creator.  Isn’t that friggin’ awesome to think about?

If you are so original and special, you have some amazing things to bring to the world that no one else can.  Your own creativity.  Whatever you do, whatever you imagine and create, it’s unique.  So when you say “I can’t even draw a stick person” is that because you have compared your creations with someone else’s?  Don’t let anyone’s talents cast a shadow on yours.  If you made it, it’s beautiful because it’s unique to you.  Nobody else can draw a stick person like you.

A couple years ago I was introduced to this thing called “Intuitive Art.”  At first I thought it was nonsense… like is this even real?  I had never heard of such a thing.  So I started researching it and then actually tried doing it myself.  It ended up being a very therapeutic experience for me.  

So to explain: the way I understand Intuitive Art is there’s no rules except to let loose and create something.  The word “intuitive” has to do with emotions and embracing your senses while you create. 

I decided to use paint for my Intuitive Art experience.  When I began, I focused on letting my mind release expectations of the end result.  Then I tried to let myself feel whatever I was feeling and with brush in hand, somehow I randomly slapped it on a canvas through different strokes, colors, shapes, icons, designs, etc.  It was beautiful.  The finishing product probably wouldn’t make sense to anyone else in the world, but that was ok.  It meant something to me.  That was the purpose.

For those of you out there who get instant anxiety when you’re asked to do something considered artistic– try Intuitive Art. You don’t even have to show it to anyone. It’s for you. But if you do share it, I promise it can be liberating.

What if we were more intentional about not comparing ourselves to others in their creative endeavors?  What if we encouraged them in their unique-ness and praised them for simply taking a risk to be creative in the first place?  What if we saw every individual as a masterpiece AND a master creator?

This year I want to be more bold with taking risks to create new things.  You can, too.  We can embrace our DNA as creators who were created by an infinitely creative God.  The possibilities are endless.  Anything can happen.

Consider what sparks your interest.  What kind of talents and skills do you have?  What sets your soul on fire?  And don’t be afraid to try something new! If it matters to you, be bold and let loose, chase it and share it.  Create new things with your own unique finger print.  It’s who you are; It’s part of your purpose.

And in the process, remember: You are loved.