Pain can threaten to take away our creativity, but Kerryn shares how she focuses on God’s creation and continuing her joy of creating.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31).
Clearly God loves beauty and is quick to say when it is very good! When He created everything on our earth to enjoy, He made a point of soaking it in. In fact, He rested on the seventh day to really enjoy and absorb all that He had made.
As we’re all made in God’s image, it’s clear that we also are made to enjoy and need creativity and beauty. Since becoming ill I’ve really needed to be surrounded by beauty and creativity more than ever before.
I used to be very creative, engaged in crafts such as cross-stitching, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, quilling, spinning, tapestry, etc. Actually, I did anything that used my hands to create something of beauty or that was useful. Now it’s too exhausting for my body and brain. All crafts involve the imaginative use of color and I’ve really been missing the vast array of colors for my eyes to enjoy, as my hands work with them.
To compensate I’ve discovered something that caters to my creativity and need for color and beauty. It’s refreshingly simple and has become a prayerful meditation for me too.
I have a long glass coffee table near my lounge room windows. Each day I look out of my lounge windows to the gum trees, so my eyes are also drawn to that coffee table. A dear friend also needs creativity, beauty, and color. Together we plan and create a display for the coffee table. Each display centers around a couple of colors, a word sign, and a theme.
Since I’ve been ill I’ve purchased a number of word signs online, that feed me with creativity and positivity. My previous theme was “old and gold” and featured the word “peace” and contained precious china from my deceased grandparents and mother-in-law. A beautiful flowering plant was central to the beauty on the coffee table.
Currently I’m on a “regal winter” theme. Put simply I have a silver and white word, “dream,” with things that are silver or purple that help me to dream and plan positive and calming events. Shells and a starfish feature amongst candles, flowers, and a beautiful hand-made card from a Rest Ministries friend.
I find it interesting that simply focusing on the word that’s on my coffee table, and perusing the beauty displayed, lifts my heart and soul to the Creator of the universe. He is the One that has created beauty, color, and meaning that is very good. By surrounding myself with God’s beauty, I’m naturally drawn to worship Him.
What can you display that will lift your spirits and surround you with beauty and creativity?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the treasures amongst Your creation that lift our spirits. Help me to surround myself with Your creative beauty. Draw me to worship You, as my Creator. Amen.
About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.
Do you have precious things tucked away in cupboards that could be enjoyed on display? What colors calm you or lift your spirits? What trinkets, treasures or memories make you smile when you see them?
In this video Steve Green sings “Creation Sings.” As you look around you think of what you can do to bring more of God’s creation near you even if you are trapped inside. His works were made to bring us pleasure! ~Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 