Christmas Letters – A

As Christmas draws near and we reach the penultimate letter of my Christmas Letters series, I get to talk about something that has really leapt out at me this year.

A is for Artistic Creativity

I’m not artistic. Not in the slightest.

Nope. Not me.

This past year though I’ve discovered some amazingly artistic and creative people.

When I use the word ‘artistic’ I mean any kind of art; scultped, drawn, painted, written or anything else.

People like Jennie PollockKatdish, Duane Scott, Billy Coffey, Glynn Young, Maureen Doallas, Nance Marie, Kathleen Overby, Michael Perkins, Molly Campbell and so many, many others have incredible talents in design and writing and it really blows my mind the hidden creativity that is lurking out there.

One of the things I love about the internet is it gives people the space to express themselves in whatever way God has gifted them to do so and display it publicly for anyone who wants to see it.

I’ve been asked to design a few websites  this year and I’ve always made it clear to my clients that they have to do the ‘design’ aspect of it, I’ll just implement it for them and it constantly amazes me to see beautiful designs appearing as I do what they ask.

I am blessed to know all of these creative geniuses and even though I don’t understand some of their ‘art’, I appreciate their talent in expressing themselves in that way, even if it’s not my personal style.

A is also for ALL of us

The big secret though is that EVERYONE is a creative genius in their own way. They don’t have to create beautiful paintings, gripping novels or heart changing poems to be creative geniuses. Some people have the talent of creating a comfortable space where a troubled teenager can share their burdens, some create a loving home environment for their spouse and kids, some can create order and organization out of the chaos of an office or home. Some can create business ideas that turn a profit, some create delicious meals and desserts… there’s no end to the artistry around us if we just open our eyes to see it.

For me, 2010 has very much been a year for recognizing the artists around me both the ‘artists’ in the traditional sense and the ‘artists’ in other spheres and I want to thank you all for adding your art, your creativity, your individuality to my life.

You’re all awesome!