A Bit Wreckless and Very Grateful

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

                                                                                                                                         -Goethe

You know, this blogging thing is amazing, really.  With just a few keystrokes anyone can be a published author.  How extraordinary (and scary).  There are no editors to catch my grammatical errors and typos (although I do have a few grammatically gifted sisters who love me enough to notify me immediately when they see a mistake).  I usually don't bounce my ideas off anyone before I hit the "publish post" button.  It all seems a bit wreckless when you think about it. One click and whoosh...It's out there. 

On a deeper level, there's the issue of content.  When I express my true heart, or put my artwork up for everyone to see I'm taking a chance.  Maybe you won't understand what I am really trying to say.  Maybe you will compare me to endless numbers of artists who are more gifted and more skilled than I.  

Long ago in art school I felt like I put my heart in front of a firing squad each time my work went up for critique.  In that setting you pour your blood, sweat and tears into a project and then invite others to tell you not just the strengths, but the weaknesses they see.  As much as you want and need honest feedback, it can be hard to detach your sense of identity from the way your latest project is received.  Especially at first it feels a bit it like someone takes a peek into the bassinet and says, "Your baby has some good qualities, ma'am, but let me tell you how she could be improved!"  The creative life is not for the faint of heart, to be sure. 

But what choice do any of us have?  We are individuals created in the image of a gloriously creative God.  We were born to share the things that matter most to us.  Our human hearts long to be known and loved. 

So I want to thank those of you who encourage me in my creativity.  You cannot imagine how much it means to me that you read my clumsy words or see my humble efforts and have a kind word to say.  Thank you for being my safe place to grow and learn and try new things. 

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