A friend is revving up to go back to a past creative pursuit. But her question to me was
“What if I’m no good anymore?”
Alas (okay, I never get to use that word in a sentence, so there it is!) I think a lot of people struggle with that. The feeling that, I used to be pretty good at …!
Yes, I think practicing with our gifts is necessary to get good. But I think if you go back you could get back to where you were with a little effort and then with your newfound maturity (we must have some right?) will bring something new to your creative pursuit. It could help others see God’s hand in you and think, “hey maybe God has put that gift or another one in me?”
So, go for it!
And don’t let naysayers keep you from trying. They might be trying to protect you or maybe they’re just wishing they could fit back into their high school marching band uniform but can’t.
Try, practice, get back those muscle memories in your music, painting, baton twirling, dancing, drama, gardening, woodwork, baking, pottery or whatever your past thing was. If this pursuit brought you joy and was a creative outlet once upon a time I bet it will again. And it is part of who God has made you to be and will bring glory to Him and could even help others to make a Jesus connection.
I can think of a young lady I met a few years back. She was a fairly new blogger but already was starting to get noticed and was encouraging people in their life and faith. She wasn’t sure she had something to say. I was one of the people who encouraged her. And if you heard her name you’d recognize it as a very influential faith blogger today. She struggled with doubt! We all do.
Rediscover the joy! (Even when it comes with struggle)
