I've always loved to read! When I was a child I would treasure the trips to the library with my mom during the summers! I would check out towers of books, bring them home and devour each one! So, when the Women's Ministry at my church announced a book study I was so in!
We began reading Pathway to Purpose for Women, by Katie Brazelton. At the time, I was a stay at home mom with two young kids (this was about 15 years ago). I was involved in church but other than that my life revolved around my family and kids. I didn't realize it at first, but I had lost a bit of myself. On the very first page of the book, Katie wrote:
“We each have purposes to fulfill, many of which are linked to our relationships, passions, talents, experiences, dreams, hopes, and longings. Living a larger, more fulfilling and dynamic life than you may currently be living is possible when you catch God's vision for you life.”
This is when it hit me…I had been missing my purpose! Of course I love taking care of my family and find great purpose and reward in doing that but I realized there was something more… We all have a unique purpose, something that our soul burns to do, that stirs within us, that no one else can do like we do! It is something that cries out to us and we miss greatly when we aren’t pursuing it! As I was pondering what I was reading, it dawned on me; I need to make art! This wasn’t an option, it was a calling. An unshakable feeling down to the very last cell in my body that I had to begin creating again! I missed my art, my creative outlet! Aside from the scrapbooks I was creating for my kids, I hadn’t made anything in so long!
So, I gathered art supplies and started painting again! Online I stumbled upon the world of Mixed Media Art and it was life changing! I was learning and creating and loving it! I was a much happier person, because I saw God’s vision for me, the undeniable passion he had put in my heart! Later in her book, Katie talked about God’s unique vision for us that:
“can be described as a desire that steals your heart - either immediately or eventually - and shouts to you “This is your sacred commission, far beyond your everyday purposes in life.” It is the exclusive, heart-engaging work God prearranged for you before you were born!”
I realized this passion I had for making art was what filled me up and recharged me so I could be the best wife, mother, friend etc. that I could be! This was the beginning of my creative adventure as an adult and I’ve never looked back! It was also the planting of the small seeds that would begin to grow into my creative business! Now, dozens of commissions later, I still can’t believe I have the privilege of creating for others!
Now, I try to make it a priority to always carve out time for my creative process. I’m a better person when I do! How about you? What is your passion that you know you were created to pursue? I’d love to hear all about it!