When we were children, creativity was a regular part of life, whether it led to building a fort out of blocks, fashioning a fantasy world with our imagination, or coloring made-up creatures with our crayons.

We are all still creative. Sometimes we don’t think we are, and sometimes we don’t use our creativity as much as we could. But our creativity is a gift from our Creator, and it might be my favorite. Not only is it amazingly practical, allowing us to solve problems and bring beauty into the world, but it’s magical and fun, too.

It’s been written that on the fourth day of creation, God said, “Let there be light.” And then he put the sun and the moon and the stars in their places. Here’s the amazing thing: the declaration still stands, but the torch has been passed to us.

It’s hard to imagine fashioning an entire solar system made up of planets and stars, but this painting is a reminder of the connection with share with the great Creator. Although he allows us to join in him the creative process, just like children, our results don’t always look quite as elegant. But it doesn’t matter. Because the reward is still the same and our efforts still matter.

In many ways, we still live in a dark world. In the past year alone, headlines have been dominated by natural disasters, violent terrorist attacks and senseless mass shootings resulting in the loss of so many innocent lives. Meanwhile, our social media streams are filled with people calling each other names. We don’t need more darkness.

Our world needs more light, not more snarky putdowns of people who think differently than us.

So…what are you doing to help?

Yes, it needs more than you or I can generate on our own, but never forget that even a tiny light can fill a room. The good news is we have what it takes, because we have the gift of creativity.

• We can create environments for those under our care to grow, thrive and prosper.
• We can create life-giving experiences to people who need a pick-me-up.
• We can create a safe space for people to express their opinions without fear, shame or humiliation.
• We can create new technologies and systems to help more people more efficiently.
• We can create conversations with people who just want to be heard.
• We can create moments of magic and wonder for people worn out and weary.

“Let there be light” is a declaration. It’s also a challenge.

For me, creating art to bring joy and optimism to others is one way I’m trying to help bring light into the world. Please, will you shine yours this week?