Day 7 - Read an article and respond

I am a huge fan of Relevant magazine and all that it offers. Today, I read this challenging, honest article by Paul Angone. Please read it!

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/next/grow/creativitys-worst-enemy


After reading this article, I'm somewhat shamed by my own habit of complaint. I am definitely one of those twentysomethings that left the comfort of college and met a much tougher world than I imagined. Still, this idea of complaint as creativity's enemy is big. Too big to ignore.

I want to be creative. I want to use the mind and skills and passions God's given me for more than criticism. If you asked me family or those closest to me, they'll probably tell you I'm a natural critic. I usually have some analysis of everything I consume or partake in. A lot of the time, my criticism turns to bitterness. Bitterness turns to judgement. And judgement leads to self-love. This whole idea of complaining is such a selfish practice. We think we deserve more or better, so we let others know. What does this really ever accomplish?

Sometimes, we might get a free meal out of our griping. Or maybe we'll hear those favored words, "You're right". Though these are temporarily satisfying, I've found that this kind of patterned living only makes us miserable.

I think Angone is onto something when he says complaint stifles creativity.  I long for purpose, for joy in how I spend my time. And what's ironic about all this is that I often complain about my lack of passion in life. Where, God, is the impassioned heart you promise us? I can't seem to find it amidst all this junk in my life!

Like this 15-day writing challenge, I enjoy projects. A few years ago, one of my professors gave us a bracelet to wear on our wrist. Any time we complained, we'd have to switch the bracelet to the other hand. The idea here was to make us aware of how often we complained. I, in my critical nature, neglected the challenge.

Today, I'm really encouraged by Angone's words. If I so desire a creative, loving life reflective of the greatest Creator, I need to change a few habits. So here's my plan, in its rough draft. It takes 21 days to make or form a habit. For the next three weeks, started today, I will proactively create something each day. Whether it's writing for this current project, making a card or putting together something crafty for our home, I will make creativity a priority.

I love Angone's ideas about reversing our complaints into opportunities for encouragement. If I'm tempted to complain about a relationship, it might be a way to write the other person a note. Or if I'm dissatisfied with myself, I could call a friend who I trust to bring better perspective. I'm already getting excited about learning this new habit and working on creative living.

We do live in a broken, imperfect world, but I know that doesn't diminish God's goodness. God is still God, so there will always be good to find. Complaint may be a natural part of life on earth. That still doesn't excuse our self-indulging woes.

Angone brought up Biblical lament, which reminded me of my favorite passage of scripture.

Lamentations 3:18-26
18 So I say, “My splendor is gone
    and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
    the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
    and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.

When I read these words, building this kind of creative habit seems simple. God is all we need. We have hope, even in disappointing, difficult times, because his love never fails. He is good. God is all we need. Why wouldn't we use each day to create a loving, grateful life with him?