A Monday Challenge

"Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny." Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation

"I believe that the purpose of our struggling to improve ourselves is to become more Christlike, and one key to spiritual maturity lies in recognizing our gifts and talents, using them to glorify God, and developing rather than burying them. God planned for us to have these talents, and he offers us the chance to use them in order to know him better and to glorify him through the works of our hands." Janice Elsheimer, The Creative Call

My challenge to you, starting today, is to take one of the talents God gave you and do something with it this week. Everyone has some talent; most people have several. Maybe you've never developed it (them). That's okay. Start today.

All of the creativity books I've been reading suggest that you go back to your childhood and

remember what held your interest then. I've been surprised to learn that I'm still interested in the same things.

So start there. What were you interested in as a child? What have you always wanted to try? Start by researching it. Order whatever you need and get started! Just do it!

I'm determined to do one small watercolor this week. I'll show it to you when I'm finished. I can begin easily because I already have all my supplies in one bag. I made it easy to start by gathering up everything I would need to paint. All I have to do is sit down for a quiet half hour and get started. Starting is the hardest part. Some wise man said in effect that "a job well started was half done." That's very true.

So first, decide what you're interested in. Second, make a list of supplies needed. Third, gather them in one convenient place. Fourth, decide on a time every day to practice your talent or interest. Fifth, keep your appointment like you would any other and be there!

So take a baby step today toward your interest. Five baby steps this week, Monday through Friday, will see you closer to completing that work of art, learning that piano piece, or sewing that skirt or apron. And you'll be walking in the steps of the master creator himself. So create! Enjoy! Do! I want to see photos of what you did this week. Or at least tell me about it.

Now that's your assignment for this week. No backtalking or eyerolling. I'll check on your assignment next Monday. Begin! Oh, and have fun.