Thursday, January 31, 2013

Created in the Image of a Creator

Today is "Inspire Your Heart With Art" Day. I love that. I'm one of those people who finds all kinds of art inspiring, be it a beautiful painting, or piece of literature, or all kinds of music. Even film, when viewed for purposes beyond mindless entertainment, can be stirring.

You see, we have a Creator who loves creation. He loves to build, and He loves what he builds -- so much so that, when He created us in His image, He did not fail to make us, also, creative beings. He made us a people who love to create beauty, and to witness beauty in the creations around us.

Consider your own children. When they play together, my kids use their imaginations to create elaborate mini-plays. Sometimes, they're in "school." Sometimes, there's a wedding, or a concert, or a talent show. And in each of these cases, they go beyond the creation of a mere scenario and begin singing songs or creating drawings. Sometimes, they sing songs they already know, and sometimes, they sing songs they've just made up. And as their father who loves them, I delight in watching them and listening to them as they play. Sometimes, they sing, or put on a puppet show, or draw a picture specifically for their mom and me, which makes it even more special. But then there are those times they don't even know I'm watching, and I simply take joy in those candid moments of pure, unadulterated fun and creativity.

I think, as our Heavenly Father, God is the same way with us. After all, when you look at the wonders He created around us, when you study the simple beauty of the trees and grass and waterways or the majesty of space, you see the work of a Creator whose imagination is far above our own. And as a Father for whom creation is not only an act of joy, but a definition of self -- that is, Creator is not just what He does, but what He is -- He must also delight when we follow in His footsteps.

So, as David reminds us, let us remember our Creator by creating beauty for Him.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:1-3)

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