photo by stephanie ackerman…check out her fabulous site!
Last week I got to share about God-sized Dreams with a group of amazing women at Camp Create. As I stood up to speak the first night I confessed, “Creating art used to scare me silly. I wouldn’t even go near a hot glue gun.”
My fear came from a false belief that there was a right way to make art and that the end result had to be perfect. A few months ago I did an art journaling class that set me free. And I came to understand this: creating art and dreaming aren’t that much different. And they’re both good for our souls. Here’s what I mean…
Creating art and dreaming both require giving up control. Things never turn out the way you picture them in your mind. This can be wildly frustrating and incredibly freeing all at once. Art and dreams teach us to let go and trust.
Art and dreaming also both mean getting messy. We have to get our hands and hearts right into the middle of it all. Neither one are spectator sports. They’re not about perfection but instead growth and beauty.
Art and dreaming are more about the journey than the destination. We may think we want a certain outcome but what really benefits us most is the actual doing and becoming that happen along the way.
Art and dreaming are unique to each of us. No two people will create the same thing or have exactly the same goal. We reflect the wonder and glory of the God who created us when we open ourselves to one-of-a-kind expressions.
Art and dreaming both involve fear. And the only way to become braver is to put ourselves in situations where we feel fear and do it anyway.
Art and dreaming aren’t necessary for surviving…but they’re essential for thriving. They make us come alive deep down inside.
We are works of art made by God. We are living dreams that began in His heart. Creativity isn’t something that belongs to a few of us–it’s an essential part of all of us.
Make art.
Dream.
Be.
Wherever you are today.
In whatever way you can.
Even when you feel afraid.
You have beautiful gifts to offer the world that only you can create.
How do you enjoy expressing your creativity? What helps you dream?
XOXO
p.s. If you’d like encouragement for your dreams, my books You’re Made for a God-sized Dream and Opening the Door to Your God-sized Dream can help.
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