Many times I've heard artists & art students say that they've had ARTIST'S BLOCK. They look at a blank canvas/paper, and are unable to find the inspiration to create. They look for something that will spark/reignite the creative spirit within them. However, so often the true issue isn't a lack of inspiration, but a life & mind that is too cluttered & busy to focus on that which is truly important. When everything is a priority...nothing can be a priority. You become so busy trying to juggle it all that you are unable to do that thing you once lived & loved to do so naturally. The artist must be able to focus their attention & de-clutter all aspects of their life so they can freely create.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. but Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10: 38-42
I have to admit that I'm a Martha in almost all aspects of my life. I pride myself in being a human doing instead of a human being. I multitask pretty much every aspect of my life. There is a part of that which is truly who I am & how I am wired. However, I can lose site of what is important as I bury myself with all the good things I can do. I've had very wise people in my life tell me..."Just because you can do it...doesn't mean you should!" This is in regards to church, work, family..etc. That is so hard for me. Because I feel if something is within my power to do...I should do it! However, when we (I) lay things down...it allows others to pick them up. God wants to develop others as well! Plus, by laying things down...I am able to find more time to rest at the feet of my Lord. I am able to listen (because lets just be real...when you are doing doing doing...you don't always listen real well!). I am able to learn new things. I am refreshed. When all of this takes place, and I do go back to the "doing"...I am able to approach it with the love, heart, and compassion of God.
PRAYER
Dear Lord...
Help me to slow down.
Help me to realize this world will go on without me doing everything.
Help me to find my quiet place..even in the midst of the crazy life I live.
And may I go back to living & doing with a heart refreshed from my time of rest at your feet.
In Your Name, AMEN
This is me, too. I needed to hear this today. Amen
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! On our way to Savannah for mission trip with teens, this is a good reminder
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