10 Things Creatives Do

bethlehem creatives jesus meridian Dec 19, 2022

By Paul Roberts

As you can tell by the picture of the “work space” in my office, my desk isn’t always the neatest of places. I’ve heard several members of our Sacred Community Garden comment that the creative life can often be synonymous with a disorganized work area. But apparently, on occasion, being messy is an advantage.

For example, while organizing my desk and the surrounding parts of my office (a task that clearly will never be finished), I came across a 3x5 note card that hasn’t found a home in the last 25 years. I did some training with the Meridian School District -  long ago, in a place far, far away - that intrigued me enough way back then that I tried to apply the “10 Things Leadership Does” principles to the grown up life of a baby born long ago in Bethlehem’s stable.

Some 25 years ago, I took the list and asked myself the question, “Does this list fit Jesus?” It made for a good Sunday night service sermon back then. I’m sharing my 3x5 notes almost exactly as they were written, but today, I’m asking myself if the same list applies to me, Carol, and all the creative people we continue to meet. Let’s call it…

10 Things Creatives Do

  1. Creatives engage people. Jesus interacted with lepers, prostitutes, fishermen, tax collectors, lawyers, politicians…am I engaging with a diverse variety of people?
  2. Creatives inspire people. Jesus gave hope to many, including the rich young ruler in Matthew 9:18-26…am I inspiring creativity in the people I meet?
  3. Creatives motivate people to action. Jesus said to some friends “Let’s go fishing.” Look what happened next! 
  4. Creatives focus attention on the aim. Jesus refused to be drawn into the wrong battles, and focused on the kingdom…am I focused?
  5. Creatives limit distractions. Jesus often took his disciples “away”; the Garden of Gethsemane is an example…time for a creative rendezvous, Paul.
  6. Creatives build capacity. Jesus did much more with what he had than expected, like feeding 5,000…can I do more with what I’ve got?
  7. Creatives replace dependency with collegiality. Compare Jesus pre-crucifixion, post-crucifixion, post-resurrection and post-Pentecost communities…keep growing your communities, Paul.
  8. Creatives have concern for the improvement of the whole. Jesus said “Suffer not the little children to come unto me”...do I freely share the creative gifts in my life with many?
  9. Creatives answer “why?” Jesus gave some ultimate answers to the question of why…I won’t be afraid of the hard questions.
  10. Creatives strengthen relationships. Jesus brought sisters like Martha and Mary together…see principle #1.

Some good things for me to consider before the beginning of the new year, and before the start of year two with Grow Me A Story.

Happy Holidays!

Paul

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Choose one (or more) of the principles I’ve listed and use it as a writing prompt for yourself sometime before 2023.

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