One of the side effects of a year of pandemic life is a strain on my creativity. From the conversations I’ve had with others, it seems this is a very common situation, and it turns out it’s actually a biological reality. The mental systems used to address flight or fright pull energy from other parts of the brain and redirect it to combat the fear, anxiety, or other issues. It is not surprising that the persistent concerns of the past year would do harm to the areas of creativity in my brain and in yours.
Creativity is a blessing from God. When we are creative we are acting in a way that shows we are made in God’s image. God creates, not just in the beginning, but even today as new days are formed a new life is brought forth. When we demonstrate our creative ability, we point to that aspect of God that sees new things, and shows others how to observe the beauty that surrounds them.
Throughout the pandemic, people have posted memes and made comments about who was most needed during this difficult time. It was an ongoing push to point out which workers, which figures, are actually essential. Everybody had their own opinion some lifted up physicians and medical care workers, some said it was the people working in grocery stores and gas stations, others highlighted those who were part of the distribution system like truckers and delivery people. (Hint: they are all necessary). At the same time, people pointed out who they believed they didn’t need. One of the most common statements I saw claimed people didn’t need movie stars, musical artists, sports figures, and other types of entertainers and creatives.
If you reflect on the past year however, you realize it is the creatives helped us navigate our way through the challenges of the pandemic. We began to watch new programs, to binge watch new series on Netflix, and to listen to music to carry us away. Many read books and got lost in the words of written art shared with the world. I am not taking away from all of the other categories, but we must admit that we really did need creative‘s during this time to help us find a way through challenging tasks and emotions.
While we were entertained, things were quite difficult for people who create. Sure, there are artists and actors who are not wanting for money at this time. However, they are in a period of their life where they have never been. Like the rest of us, it is hard to find our identity in the midst of all of this. Think of all the other creatives, all of the artists and musicians and authors. They are struggling to make ends meet while searching for creative inspiration.
One of the prayers that arises weekly, as I pray the Daily Office, asks God to remind us that we are all connected through our shared life and our work, and to keep us aware of our need for each other. In a nation that is deeply divided, think how powerful that prayer is. Our lives are impacted by countless other people, people of great importance to God even if they appear unknown.
One of my seminary professors reflected this prayer with this illustration. As I sit and drink my coffee this morning, I remember that there are farmers growing coffee, who labor long hours with other workers to grow the beans. People transported those beans in their native countries, through shipping, and in our country as well. Delivery of the beans to roasters took other hands, and the roasters worked hard to prepare the foundation of our morning brew. The coffee was transported to retail locations, where employees stocked the shelves and helped us purchase our supply. In the end, many unseen, unnoticed people are a part of our morning cup.
I understand why it was, and is, necessary to distinguish essential workers to navigate our way through this season, but in God’s eyes, and in the web of community, everyone is essential to one another.
Today, as a part of the Lenten journey, take time to reflect on all the people who impact your life, those you see, and all of those you do not see. Consider that each one of them is deeply loved by God and is of infinite worth. Pray for them, then truly savor the blessings of your life. Right now, I am going to savor my coffee, realizing the physical investment of numerous people and bringing them before God in prayer. Maybe, you would join me wherever you are.
