dmdubay

I’m planning to design a scavenger hunt for our Thanksgiving guests this year. The girls and I were talking about what to do on Thanksgiving Day before we sit down to eat dinner and it was one of the ideas that surfaced. Now that this imaginative notion came to light, I really need to tap into my creative center to accomplish it. I notice the same process in myself that I employ in writing. First an idea pops into my head. (From where, I don’t know.) I mull it over, envisioning scenarios for some time. Finally I sit down to write, and the characters, who by now have become real in my mind, tell the story. Can this creativeness be forced? Can I simply apply methods I learn about in books? Where does the story or poem come from?

You know how when you read a poem, you think, (at least, I do,) “I could have written that.” It seems so simple. And maybe it is. Maybe the poem or the song or the story is just out there waiting for someone to grab onto it and write it down. I don’t know. But that creative spark in all of us should be kindled and fanned into flame. We can set the world on fire. Thank God that we can cooperate in the plan of creation.

Another thing I am grateful for is the creative spirit I see all around. Everyone, I think, has a creative spark and the satisfaction one feels when tapping into this energy is revitalizing. It is as though new life comes out of saying yes to creation. It seems that it is a deep part of our self that resonates with our own creative genius. The urge to create brings forth tremendous good in the world. So many variations and expressions are necessary to the total picture. Everything, from cooking, to dance, to knitting, to creating a welcoming atmosphere, to singing, drawing, woodwork, photography, writing, even simply being a smile in a frowning world: all connect us to the one creator of all goodness. It is impossible to enumerate all the ways in which people create, but I’m going to be watching and giving thanks for all that I see.

birthday cake

Giving thanks for my granddaughters, who are becoming beautiful young women, warms my heart. I enjoyed their infanthood, toddlerhood and so many stages of their young lives. I treasure so many memories of our special times together. But as I see their personalities and talents develop, it’s rewarding to be able to appreciate the unique gifts they are to the world. Grandparenthood is the best. Without the day-to-day struggles and irritations, grandparents can take the long view and have faith and hope for their future and offer unconditional love. I am very grateful that I can be an integral part of my granddaughters’ lives.

Ruah and Leah