The Artist Within

I was reading my Simple Abundance book this morning as I sometimes do when looking for some inspiration for the day and the title of the article for this day is "Eye of the Beholder".  The quote at the beginning of the story is from Simone Weil "The work of art which I do not make, none other will ever make."

It got me to thinking about how unique each one of us is, and what only we have to offer in the world of art, music, writing, or just being.  If I weren't doing the things I do, no one else would be doing them just like I am.  I have something special to offer in this world, and sometimes it may seem insignificant to me; it is not - because it is a combination of the special gifts God has given only to me to use for His glory.

The article I referred to talks about painting or writing and how if you are inspired by a creative spirit within you, that you need to use that talent, because if you don't use it, no one will ever do the things you could have done.  It likened the denial of these talents to a coal burning cooking stove that gets too hot unless one of the holes is opened up.  Your fire within will burn with the desires of doing something creative until you explore the possibilities and "open one of the holes" and let it out!

I have been lucky in my life to have a supportive husband and family who allowed me to explore all my talents and follow my dreams.  When I was small I began piano lessons and, at the encouragement of my parents, continued lessons for 10 years.  I have always had a piano in my home and play every day for my own enjoyment, always dreaming of someday sharing my music with others.  I now am asked on occasion to play for our church service - it gives me such pleasure to be able to play beautiful music for others - and to be a part of our worship service.  The music I play is not all that difficult, but I do have my own unique style of playing, and am glad that I am able to play and express myself in this way.

Early in my life, I learned to crochet and do stitchery of varous types.  I have made many hand made gifts for friends and family.  It is a wonderful feeling to be able to make something of beauty and give it away.  Lately I have gotten the yarn back out and started to crochet prayer shawls, chemo caps, baby hats, neck warmers, etc.  It is amazing the things that we can create when we "open one of the holes" and satisfy the desire to be creative.

Along the way, I learned to do folk painting and have painted thousands of beautiful items which I sold and people have in their homes yet today.  I never knew I could paint until I decided to try.  Over the years I have taught others to find this talent hidden within them, and their lives have been changed because of it.

When I opened my antique/gift shop, Memories Past and Present, I had a vision of what I wanted to do - this has been such a fun, creative outlet for me.  I can be creative in the displays and helpful to those who are trying to decorate their home or purchase that special gift.  I have recently decided that it would be nice to retire, so we have put our beautiful building up for sale in the hopes that I can spend more time at home and with my family.  I have had customers and friends come in and say that there would never be another store like this one - it has a special feel to it and a unique look about it that no one else could re-create. 

The amazing thing for me to realize is that if I had not done these things in my life, no one else would have done them - and even if they did, it would not be the same.  This is important for each of us as individuals to realize - we are all unique and have talents hidden inside us that we have never explored.  Give yourself permission to follow that dream today, and develop one of the talents that may have been nagging at you to get out.  Let your light shine!  You will amaze not only others, but yourself as well.  And remember, if you don't write that poem, paint that picture, take that photograph, sing that song - it will never exist - no one else would ever be creative in the same way that you are. 

God made us all unique and special!  Look inside today and see what talent you can develop - and pursue it - I guarantee it will make you a happier person if you let your little light shine for others to see!