I’m not sure about you but I’ve never managed to call myself “a creative” – it’s always seemed a title bestowed on someone who utilises creativity professionally or is just really good at what they do. At a Hen’s party recently though, I met someone who bestowed that title on me in conversation and I have to say I was a little blown away. I felt honoured. Upon reflection, I also felt a little sad that this word is not used more widely and it was so hard to accept that I could be one of those amazing people. A little like an exclusive club that I’d never be part of. The fact that it was a VERY creative, professional photographer who I was becoming to admire over brunch who called me a part of her elusive group made me think I really could call myself creative despite my insecurity.

Three weeks ago I had surgery that I needed prior to moving to NZ. We’ve got a great medical system in Australia and to be able to get the surgery in a private hospital with 4 days of kid free sleep and amazing care, plus a great surgeon and medical team made it a  no-brainer to get it done before we leave. The past 2 weeks though have been hard. After the enforced bed rest, I’ve been given a 6 week limit on activity – no lifting or normal duties, I can’t drive yet and I’ve only just graduated to the “light duties phase”. This means that the enormous amount of things to get done before we fly out in 5 weeks (!!) is growing at an exponential rate. Despite my mother being here to manage our household and look after the kids, there’s decisions I need to make and things to sort – my brain just wants to DO but my body isn’t up to it. Here’s where the creativity comes in – I’ve taught myself to crochet! Over the past 2 weeks I’ve made a massive blanket which I adore, a knee rug for my FIL’s Christmas gift, scarves for friends going O/S, baskets, coasters and I’ve just graduated to Amigurumi creatures.

Embracing being “a creative” might not seem like much, but for me, it means I’m valuing this side of my character more and am so grateful I’ve taken this time of convalescence to  choose a new skill which feeds my soul. As a Christian who believes in a Creative God, I also think that most humans are creative and it’s a joy to find out how exactly we reflect Him in this. Creativity is a gift, it’s not a club.

“The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” Brian Herbert