The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness… – John 1

As a writer and photographer it always excites me when I have something new and creative to publish. One of the reasons I post almost every day is my passion for my work and the joy I receive from sharing. There is something about original work, about creativity, that truly connects me with the heart of The Creator and it is – without fail – always a real rush.

Today I want to post a couple of examples from my cousin Marion. Marion, who lives in the southwest of England, is one of my uncle Norman’s two daughters (Norman was my favorite uncle), and she is not only a deeply talented graphic artist she is a gifted writer too.

Each year I look forward to seeing Marion’s Christmas card, and this time around it has the added element of a beautiful poem.

Here is what I believe about creativity. When the scriptures say that we are created in the image of God they are not talking about what we look like so much as referencing our relatedness to divine attributes. Describing God as “creator” is probably one of the best words we can use. Inasmuch as we lean into creativity, then, we are reflecting – and honoring – the image of God in our own lives.

My cousin Marion’s creativity and expression, then, tell me something about the nature of God.

Skeptics argue that religious people simply anthropomorphize humankind’s need/desire for deity by manufacturing gods in the image of ourselves. It’s not an unreasonable point. But what I think is really happening is the exact opposite. I believe that the very best of us and in us is the faint glimmer of an echo of a reflection of the shadow of the beauty and the nature of God.

Creativity and imagination comprise a huge – and compelling – piece of that puzzle. “No path is wrong,” my cousin writes. “No seeker is lost.”

“No path is wrong. No seeker is lost. Arrival is not a place – It is a vow. And every step – no matter how impossible. Leads to the child.”

I call that wisdom.. and insight… and assurance.

Enjoy. Peace and blessings – DEREK