I almost burned down the house where I lived in college. This isn’t a figure of speech. Nor is it a clever expression of angst. This is a literal firemen-on-the-lawn fact.
Throughout college I had an ongoing love affair with candles — specifically those that smelled like baked goods. One day I decided to light a candle while I worked. I couldn’t find a suitable spot in my cramped space, so I decided to set it on top of my computer. On nothing more than a flimsy rubber base.
Then I went on a date. It was not until Mark brought me home late-late that I even had the slightest flicker of remembrance. Not until we pulled up to the house and heard smoke alarms going off, saw girls in pajamas scattered across the lawn, and firemen organizing a find-the-flame effort. Then in a stunning flash, I knew.
I quickly confessed, the firefighters acted, and, thankfully, nothing was harmed except my computer. I do recall a safety lecture and the subsequent banning of all candles from the house forever and ever, amen.
Mark seemed suitably startled by this event. We’d already been talking about marriage, and it was likely he was having second thoughts about bringing a woman into his house who might, quite literally, burn it to the ground. I told my parents, and having raised me, they were less surprised. To this day at family gatherings someone will wink at me and say, “Tell them about the candle.” It’s a legend now.
You’d think this would be the one and only occurrence of this kind in my existence. But I am still sometimes the girl who forgets and walks away from the flame. James Prescott said, “There is a spark of creativity in all of us.” I define creativity as whatever is life-giving. So whether you are an accountant or a tight rope walker or a writer, I believe there is a fire burning within you.
The Creator is an advocate of this flame within us, but the world around us is not. It will do its best to distract or discourage us. Then one day we’ll come home to our ordinary, nice lives and find smoke escaping out the windows. Because creativity that is neglected inevitably and eventually expresses itself in ways that are unhelpful. (And remember we’re not defining creativity in the typical or traditional ways.)
In my life, this means if I don’t ever write or connect with folks on a heart level, then I’m inviting anxiety and depression to turn the curtains to ashes. Creativity is a wild thing, and it needs tending.
So let’s pause for a moment and ask God: “What’s one of the sparks You have placed within me?” If the response seems to be far too ordinary, like loving the people right in front of you or cooking dinner or making lovely, orderly spreadsheets, do not dismiss it. That counts. It totally counts.
Then let’s ask, “What do You want me to do about it?” I have found for most folks the answer is, “What you already are.” You might also sense something more specific, something hard and scary. If so, you’ll probably think, “I don’t have time” or “I can’t do it” or “That’s not responsible.” This is normal. And it will make you want to get very busy with doing other things and walk away from the flame.
Instead, just think of the next step — the smallest way you might let that flame burn well. Remember we’re not trying to set the alarms off. We’re talking instead about just giving the spark a little place to be, somewhere it can do its work. It needs boundaries. It needs a bit of room to breathe. It needs watchful eyes on it.
Here’s the thing: You will not regret the decision to nurture creativity in your life. But the universe at large will never urge you to do so. Even the people who love you most may not ever really get it. You will never stop being afraid or thinking you’re a little crazy. Do it anyway, without apology. This world needs all the brave, intentional light we can muster.
This is what I am telling myself these days: “‘Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you,’ and try not to burn down the house.”
For more confessions, crazy stories, and encouragement, listen to Holley’s new podcast, More than Small Talk.
You will not regret the decision to nurture creativity in your life. -@HolleyGerth: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Holley,
I admit to having a love affair with candles and one Christmas, I didn’t burn down the entire house, but my mantle and walls above the mantle were in serious flames. Scary on steroids!! I still enjoy candles, but I check them a good 3 or 4 times before going to bed to make sure they are completely out. Yes, I want to be “on fire” for the Lord, but I don’t want to burn down His house. I love to write and am glad that I’ve started back up at my blog. If I don’t write, it’s like all these words build up in me until I’m about to explode. Better to erupt small but frequent volumes of fire, than to wait for a volcano to hit. I also find that it refreshes me to put together a wreath for my door or a centerpiece for my table. Even creating a new and different meal seems to quench that creative fire in me. Capturing God’s creation on my phone/camera is another fun creative outlet. Whatever we do that gives others life and gives US life is certainly worthy of fanning the flames. When we offer up our creativity we offer up praise, honor, and glory to God.
Blessings,
Bev xx
When I neglect “my candle” it’s almost always because of some very practical pursuit–a thing that all my people will definitely see and appreciate way more than the hidden work of stringing words together and rearranging commas. What I need to bear in mind (and what your words today have reinforced for me!!) is that when the candle is burning, everything I do is better, more wholehearted, and joyful. Those of us who mostly serve with our hands must not forget our hearts.
“Those of us who mostly serve with our hands must not forget our hearts.” That’s such a wonderful way to put it, Michele!
Holley,
I, too, love candles. Never burned down anything yet. My creativity is encouragement & cooking. Love trying out new recipes & making dishes for others. The joy I get from helping them get through a trial bubbles up & helps me see the day. God gives each one talents & expects us to use them wisely. Not using my talents & creativity is wasting what God has generously given me. It displeases Him. My mission is to cook for my in-laws & see them through their medical issues-cancer & hurt shoulder. Also look after my elderly next door neighbor. She is living alone now & I want to shine God’s light on her life as much as possible. You will find me sending texts, emails, cards or calling friends to check on & tell them I care about you. Everyone could use some pick me up now & then. God is using me to do just that. I want the world at large to see my shining God’s light & sharing my testimony. Will keep fanning the flames of encouragement & cooking.
Blessings 🙂
Such a well written devotional. I so needed the reminder that it is the simple creativity of cooking a simple meal, or organizing the clothing well, or dancing in the moment that are the flames of creativity that are gifts that are important to keep burning. I would love to be the creative one developing masterpieces, though my masterpieces of art are a bit more subtle and I can enjoy and give thanks several times a day! Thank you for the encouragement!
Holley, I love this! So, so love it. My outlets change (writing, art, tinkering on the piano, shooting photos, scrapbooking, etc.) but my longing to create beauty stays the same. I’ve never thought about our creativity as a flame that needs tending. Thank you!
Pearl, that’s such a good point–often our what (for you, creating beauty) stays the same and we live out the how (writing, art, photos) changes. I love that we can have both consistency and variety in our creativity!
Wow, Holly! This caught my attention today! I actually experienced a housefire, a pretty bad one at that. My husband and I lost our home back in 2017 during a blizzard. Needless to say, EVERYTHING CHANGED. We waited 14 months for our home to get rebuilt, and all that goes along with that. We lost almost everything, but God allowed us to save some photographs and other things. We got out with our lives! Most importantly!! At the same time this was going on, we lost our dog to cancer a month later and we were asked to step down from the ministry that we were doing at church for about 13 years. It was as if God was “taking everything away” from me. Now, blessed with a new home, I am waiting for my new ministry to appear. I agree with people when they say small acts and small works of service mean you’re already doing it. It doesn’t have to be an “official” weekly ministry. Ask God to just make you available for all of His blessings and ministry for you to do. It could be as simple as talking to someone in a grocery store line, or singing at a women’s leadership conference, or singing a hymn beside someone’s bed when they are sick. The world often tells us that we have to do something BIG or EXTRAVAGANT or NEWSWORTHY or VISIBLE TO MANY. But God sees the plan he has for us. Some of us are FREELANCERS for God. I believe that is my mission now and to just own it. Blessings to you all on your journey and for just being still and letting God fan the flame He has for us all!
Sharon, what a beautiful response. Blessings on your life, family and faith. As a “freelancer for God,” you inspire! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and peace. I’m grateful for reading your amazing story. Love and blessings, Patricia
I have stepped out of a ministry that I served in for many years and felt very lost after doing so. But God has placed someone in my life to disciple who needs me to use what I learned during those years of formal service to minister on a personal level. And those skills that I brought to that formal service that are now mostly idle? Well, now I see that in due time they will be used again…for His service, in His perfect timing.
Mary, yes, God will use you in this new season and I’m confident everything that came before has been preparation. There’s always this space between when a seed is planted and when we actually see it. It sounds like you’re in a “seed” season. Praying for you as you anticipate what God is growing in and through you!
I have stepped down from a ministry in which I served for many years, and I have felt rather adrift after doing so. But now God has placed someone in my life who needs me to use what I learned during those years of formal service to minister on a personal level. And those creative skills I brought to that formal service that currently lie idle for the most part? I now see that in due time they will be used again…for His service in His perfect timing.
I have stepped down from a ministry in which I served for many years, and I have felt rather adrift after doing so. But now God has placed someone in my life who needs me to use what I learned during those years of formal service to minister on a personal level. And those creative skills I brought to that formal service that currently lie idle for the most part? I now see that in due time they will be used again…for His service in His perfect timing.
Thank you for your words. They were exactly what I needed today.
Just a few random thoughts…
This week on 60 Minutes, a Silicon Valley tech engineer said she wished that people would realize how creative coding is….
Also, the first thing God did was create…(Genesis 1)
We are to be imitators of God…(Ephesians 5:1) therefore creating is imitating God…
This was so refreshing Holley, thank-you.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Holley, I just love your writing and your wisdom. SUch buautiful words and encouragement today. Thank you so much for inspiring and sharing. I’m grateful for you, Patricia
Thanks for being here, Patricia! Grateful for you too!
Love the post!