I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity lately.  We all have it.  Some of you are saying, “No, not me, I’m not creative.” but you really are.  Creativity is different in everyone and used in immeasurable ways.  Most people think only artists, musicians and writers are creative, but that is only a small percent of the population.  Sometimes we just need to look around to see creative ways to improve our homes or our yards or our business to bring about a good change.  Sometimes we need to look at ourselves and see what we can do to change something we aren’t pleased with, whether on the inside or the outside.

Recently my pastor challenged each of us in the congregation to follow a new creative plan in our daily devotions, to read the Bible in chronological order for the coming year.  He printed out a plan for us to follow every day in 2022.  We will discuss what we learned and be able to ask questions about it in our adult Sunday School class each week.  I am thrilled with the plan, as I have done this before and really learned a lot during the year.  Being able to discuss it with others will help all of us to learn even more, as each one of us will identify with different passages.

Wouldn’t you know, the very first verse in the Bible, Genesis 1:1, says “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  There’s that word that has been on my mind lately.  Here we are beginning a brand new year, a year of new beginnings and new adventures in life.  We ourselves will need to be creative in keeping sane in a sometimes insane-feeling world.  We will need to create an atmosphere of calm as we meet daily obstacles, whether at home or on the job.  

Genesis 1:2 “And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.”  We are sometimes in the dark and can’t find our way out, and at times it seems unending.  But the verse goes on, “And the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”  When we receive Christ into our life and are born again into God’s family, we have the Holy Spirit within us at all times to guide us and show us what direction to take and what to do.  We won’t sink into despair; the Holy Spirit will lift us up and show us the way. 

Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light.”

My husband Toby puts up thousands of lights every Christmas, and this year he put lights to shine in the big trees in our yard. Those were my favorite, because every tiny twig on every branch sparkled like glitter in the dark night.  And everybody that knows me knows I love glitter.  It reminded me that God is not only concerned about our big problems, but He shines His light on every little thing in our life because He loves us.  His sparkling light is always there in the darkness saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

God has made Himself known to me in many ways during the past year and has guided my every step along the way.  Those sparks of light came at just the right time as I read the Bible each day and asked Him for guidance.  My journal is full of verses by which He has led me and answered my prayers.  He wants to do that for each and every one of us; all we need to do is seek Him, ask Him, and open the door of our mind and heart to His voice.  

We have a brand new year ahead, a chance to start fresh, but it’s up to us to choose how to live it.  As for me, I’m excited to see what God has for me.  I have so many plans, but I’m waiting to see what’s important to God before I start anything.  His way is always perfect, His timing is always right.  I choose to follow His plan for me and to live out His purpose for my life.  And my new slogan is, “With God, there’s much to do in 2022.”