During quarantine, a lot of people I know have been taking up creative hobbies. I’ve seen tons of Instagram posts of people sharing their sourdough bread recipes, knitting projects, and watercolor paintings.
Being creative is definitely a gift from God—a gift that we might not always think of! Creative projects have actually been instrumental in my faith, as it makes me appreciate different facets of God’s character, as well as appreciating all of the blessings He has given me.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, I invite you to think about how you can try a new hobby or find a way to incorporate appreciating God into something you already do!
Baking and Cooking
When I cook, I love to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors that God created. All of the nutrients our body needs to survive are available to us in the food that occurs in nature!
It’s also an opportunity to thank God for all of the farmers who grew the food, the truck drivers who transported the food, and the workers who stocked the grocery store shelves. So many vocations just to get me my dinner!
God, thank you for all of the work it took to get this food to me. Thank you for your divine power of creation that provides nutrients to my body through food. Help me to appreciate my daily bread, and to share with those in need. Amen.
Taking Photos and Videos
With smartphones, anyone can be an amateur photographer! And while I try as much as I can to live in the moment, it is nice to be able to take photos to remember breathtaking views or special moments with friends. When I take a photo, it gives me an opportunity to capture a blessing God has given me—from a flower on the side of the trail to my little sister.
Father, thank you for the ability to remember Your good gifts through photo and video. Help me to live in the moment and appreciate these blessings, and to be able to look back on these photographs fondly. Amen.
Drawing and Coloring
I think a lot of people had a phase as a kid where they wanted to be an artist—at least I did! After about the age of 10, I gave up, even though I still liked it. Now 16 years later, I took back up that creative process again! (I like to think I’m a little better than I was at 10 years old.)
Whether you draw or color a coloring book like The Illuminated Hymnal, you can spend that time meditating and praying. When I am illustrating a Bible verse or hymn stanza, it gives me an opportunity to really focus on that line and meditate on its meaning. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to memorize a Bible verse!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of creative expression through art. Help me to glorify you with the things I draw and color, and encourage my heart to spend time meditating on Your Word. Amen.
Composing, Playing, or Listening to Music
If you’ve ever heard a talented pianist play, you know how moving a piece of music can be. I’ve been lucky enough to know a few in my life, and it always makes me wish I could compose music that makes people draw closer to God!
I know many people think that they’re not musicians, but don’t let that exclude you from this creative process! Even listening to music can be a form of creative expression. Listen to your favorite hymns or worship songs and spend that time meditating on the inspired lyrics of the song. Even just meditating on hymn lyrics (maybe while coloring!) is a form of creative expression!
Lord Jesus, thank you for granting the gift of musicality to so many individuals. Thank you for songs that glorify Your name. Help me to sing your praises all the days of my life. Amen.
Spend time appreciating God through the creative process of coloring.
