On the Creativity of God - A Healing Process
A recent photo from my favorite scenic overlook on the way to visit my family in western North Carolina.
Recently I was at a work retreat/meeting that took place in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I’m no stranger to the mountains due to my family living in western NC. I love the mountains, and I always have. I’d even say that I prefer the mountains to the beach! For me the North Carolina mountains where my family lives have always been a safe place, an untainted place. A prime example of God’s creation.
While I was at this work retreat, a few of us did some sightseeing around the local area and took in the views of the mountains. As we stood outside taking in the scenery, a dear friend and mentor said to me – “Isn’t God so creative? Look at the creativity of God.”
I haven’t been able to stop thinking and pondering on this concept of the creativity of God.
Our God is creative. He created everything. He spoke and it was. The earth, the sky, the sea, the mountains, the plains, the desert, the flowers, the animals. Everything.
But I’ve learned that God is also creative in how he interacts with his children. Particularly in the area of healing.
About six and a half months ago I moved to a new city and started a new job, and I’ve been going through a bit of a healing process. I was mentally, spiritually, and emotionally wounded upon my arrival to my new city, and the Lord has been gently healing me as time passes.
It will take more time of course, but God has been creative in how he’s been working his healing. For me, I needed to close the gap that had opened up between me and God. This gap (or great chasm, if we’re honest) was my own doing from that place of brokenness and anger. I was angry, sad, fearful, and unhappy. So, I needed to start by talking with God again in a very vulnerable manner. . .
One primary way that I’ve started talking with God is by taking walks out in nature, in his creation. There is a public park nearby that I like to go to where there are not many people during the day, and it’s got lots of trails throughout the woods and around some creeks. On these walks, the Lord has shown me healing.
Sometimes healing looks difficult, because it is. It’s full of tears, questions, sadness, anger, anxiety, vengefulness, and so much more.
But our God is creative. He lets me cry and rage and ask questions, and I feel better even when I don’t have answers.
Our God is creative. I can take a walk through the woods and simply practice some breathing exercises that calm my mind for a little while.
Our God is creative. I can look up to the sky and see the birds that God cares for, and know that he cares even more for his children.
Our God is creative. I can sit at a coffee shop and read a book, and let my mind go elsewhere for a short time.
Our God is creative. I can sit on my couch and journal my thoughts and feelings even when I don’t think I have the words to express them.
Our God is creative.
When we go through times of brokenness and healing, our God is creative in how that healing happens because each of us are unique and intimately known by the Creator.
I am thankful for the creativity of God, and his everlasting love for us.