A Reflection on Creativity
I’ve always felt the urge to play with colors. The rich hues of God’s beauty move my spirit. Dabbling in paints and dipping a brush into a rich gold or sublime magenta is not only a joy but an experience of losing track of everything - time, self, worries and concerns. It‘s almost like entering another world.

Many people say, “I’m not a creative person.” Many believe that creativity belongs only to a group of artists, musicians, writers and architects. This is a fallacy. All of us are called to be creative because we are made in the image and likeness of God, the Ultimate Creator. From the moment we were called into being, this gift has been given to each of us to some degree. We are called to develop it, and to use it in the building of God’s kingdom.

Creativity is an essential part of what it means to be human. It is also a difficult concept to define. Countless descriptions and quotes about creativity exist. The very perspective you have on life can be your “creative gold”. This gift has to be nurtured. Some of the ways to do this are by cultivating a spirit of play and child-like wonder; living a life that inspires you; and spending time in quiet solitude. Creativity emerges from our deep inner world. Set aside some time to be still and allow ideas to simply flow.

Try something new, something different - write a brief story, bake something out of the ordinary, take a class at the local library or college, get involved in an activity you would not ordinarily do. Creativity exists in every dimension of life. It may be as simple as arranging wildflowers for the table, creating a new recipe, cutting the lawn in a unique design, or working on a difficult equation or an innovative computer program. Teaching, managing, organizing, decorating, developing projects - all offer multiple opportunities for creativity to flourish. It will take work but your creative spirit will ultimately win.

The author of “The Book Thief“ rewrote the first part of his very popular novel 150 to 200 times. It is obvious creativity comes with a price: a great work ethic and dedication. The reward is beyond measure and holds a deep sense of the power of the Infinite Creator working within you.
The Community requested that I select several of my paintings and create a packet of all occasion greeting cards - birthday, congratulations, sympathy and wellness. Inside of each card is an inspirational message and a verse from the Bible. VICNAJA PAMJAT! is on the back of the sympathy card and MNOHAJA L’ITA! BLAHAJA L’ITA! is on the back of the wellness card.

These all-occasion cards are sold in a package of ten. 4 Birthday (2 of 2 designs), 2 Wellness, 2 Congratulations and 2 Sympathy. Offering: $14.50 + shipping & handling. Each card is 4 1/4” x 5 ½”. The proceeds from the sale of the cards benefit the Sisters of St. Basil. Order form can be found below.

By Sister Seraphim Olsafsky, OSBM