There’s a saying that I think about a good bit: “comparison is a thief of joy.” (this saying has been attributed to multiple people, most often Teddy Roosevelt, but there is unclear evidence for it’s origin).
I do think that can be true.
More recently, however, I have been thinking more positively along these lines: creativity is a fount of joy.
I am much healthier mentally and emotionally when I am working on creative endeavors. Especially those that have little or nothing to do with my vocation. Preaching is a creative work, certainly, but it is also a part of my job. And there is great joy in that. But that creativity is tied to so many things that joy is not always the primary experience.
So, I have found that it is good for me to have other creative outlets. My two primary creative endeavors are writing (particularly, this newsletter, though I once wrote a very small and niche book that is now out of print) and creating tile mosaics. My latest mosaic creation was connected with a fun thing we are doing at Church called the “Summer Art Showcase”. (Photos of that art/mosaic piece below in the Seeing Joy section)
I still fall in the trap of comparing myself to others — there’s no end: to other pastors, other men my age, other fathers, other husbands, and on and on. And there is no joy in that. I’m either going to end up haughty or despairing.
I plan to say more next week about how comparison and creativity can clash together, which is something I have had to work past.
But there is great joy in creativity.
I see it more clearly for the fount of joy that it is and has become in my life.
Reading Joy
I finished one book this past week: Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life by Robert Smith, Jr. It was good to be challenged by a preacher from outside of my tradition (Baptist) and who brings to bear experience that are outside of mine (as an African-American). There were many encouragements from this book and it was a joy to read through it with a Pastor friend.
Here’s one section that I wanted to share from the book:
“Joy transcends happiness.”
Listening Joy
I love the sound of a cello. And it doesn’t hurt to have a friend who plays the cello and who shares beautiful and wonderful music with you. Get yourself a friend like that!
This song is probably not going to sound like what you would expect and that’s because the artist plays the cello like a guitar, which I am guessing is a bit unorthodox. But that produces this wonderful sound and a delightful song.
Seeing Joy
For our “Summer Art Showcase” at Church, we have a theme for each month of the summer. June’s theme was “God’s Love”.
My contribution: “Anchored in Christ’s Love”
The anchor with Cross is an ancient Christian symbol and is connected with Hebrews 6:19 (“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”).
This is the first time I have used glass tile and I am pleased with the results.
I am currently working on a piece connected with our July theme: “Shining Light”.
I hope to share that with you next week.
Particular Pug (Maurice) & Puppy (Benjamin) Joy
This is not the most flattering picture, but so often these two are like this and it’s ridiculous. But in a good really joyful way. At least for me.
As always, thank you for reading and increasing my joy.