I have always been moved by creativity. It doesn’t really matter what form it takes - art, music or the myriad of other forms – it is very moving.
We all know the stories of how challenges and adversity fuel creativity. There are so many stories of the starving artist that we take them for granted. And, it is not that we do not have challenges in our daily lives! We have oil spills and economic instability, both calling forth the most creative responses that we could ever imagine. Often our frustrations grow as we see authorities and agencies not being creative in their responses, if we feel that they are responding at all.
We do not have to look far for our challenges. All of us who gathered at our parish meeting on Pentecost know that we face serious financial issues at Redeemer. We talked about how it is that we got here and what it means to be Redeemer. We know that we are not alone as other congregations, our diocese, and other agencies face similar situations. But, mostly, we talked about creativity. We looked at creative ways for us to address our situation and as we left, there was a high level of energy and wonderful excitement about facing the future and dealing with our situation. All of this because we have been able to tap into our creativity.
Lest you think that this is about some theory of art or management, let me take this to the next level. It seems to me, that we are the most creative when we allow ourselves to be transparent to the presence of the Creator in our lives (ok…so I am borrowing from Paul Tillich, a theologian, for the transparency thing). When we allow ourselves to remember who we are and “whose we are”, then we are able to tap into God’s energizing and creative presence in our lives. And when we make this connection, we find the courage to face whatever is ahead. Being creative is a spiritual exercise that empowers us to do ministry and mission.
So, as you look at the various options for dealing with our financial situation, developing and growing in love and service of God, and the various challenges that are ahead, pray that we may be transparent to our Creator’s presence so that we may be creative in mission and ministry in the world. As we are, we will find new, creative ways to be in the world that will transform us and those around us.
Peace,
Ray+
