Sometimes in the journey to discover inspiration, we discover ourselves in such a profound way, we know it is not a coincidence, but a divine appointment. Where God is directing and guiding us toward a message our heart needs to hear.
“You are my masterpiece.”
One of my favorite things about fresh markets is the element of visual surprise and its ability to spark inspiration, whether for writing, cooking or creating in general. The expectation of what will be found is an ever-present surprise, and the abundance of color awakens my soul faster than any caffeine. I breathe it in and feel the energy and freshness of life.
But sometimes I need a little help finding inspiration. Sometimes my life is so overgrown with striving and following detours that weren’t meant for me, that I can’t figure out where I need to be or how to get there. Sometimes I expend too much energy going nowhere.
When my spirit is dry, I have to leave my comfort zone and seek out new places to inspire and refresh. And sometimes this means inviting someone else along to guide and direct.
Because I simply can’t get there on my own.
For the past couple weeks, I have been working with an amazing blog designer and a creative programmer to create a new look for my blog. With this came the need to dig deeper and discover what really inspires me. I didn’t know what to expect really, but I knew it would be an adventure.
So, I began browsing my Pinterest boards for colors and themes. I spent hours skimming through fonts and pairings, deciding whether I liked clean print or flourishes, handwritten or display. Do I gravitate toward bright or muted colors? Do I like bold or delicate designs?
The more I searched, the more confused and overwhelmed I became. I had no idea how I’d be challenged in the searching and identifying textures, colors and styles.
With the answer of each question came a new design idea waiting for me to make new decisions.
I found the task of deciding which elements I liked and didn’t like to be a bit uncomfortable. And I soon realized this process was not just a blog design. It was an opportunity for my soul to answer one simple question.
What do you like?
Not so simple a question it turns out. Giving myself permission to explore possibilities seemed to be a daily ritual. Encouraging myself to be honest instead of conforming for fear of hurting someone’s feelings was a bit of a hurdle. Taking the time needed to dive into the depths of that one question was an internal struggle.
Have you been there? Wearing the shoes of the people pleaser and losing sight of your unique self along the way? Or taking care of everyone else’s needs to the extent that you forget to nurture your own. It’s not a great place to be, and thankfully God uses all the parts of our journey to scoop us out of those unhealthy roles so we can get back in touch with ourselves.
This has been one of those parts of my journey, and although there’s still a ways-to-go, I have learned a few things along the way:
Discomfort brings insight into who we are and the patterns of our life. When I chose to allow the discomfort of the struggle I realized how often I rob myself of my own voice and my own choices for the sake of not offending. I found new courage to express myself and in doing so, gave voice to my uniqueness.
Honesty reveals innermost truths hindering us from moving forward. When I exchanged busyness for honesty, I realized the fulfillment and nourishment that comes with looking within. I discovered the hidden lies of unworthiness were still taking up space and needed to be subjected to the light of God’s truth once again.
Clarity requires the willingness to look deep and pull from places long forgotten. When I allowed myself to touch my yesterday, I found beauty in colors and textures and smells. Long forgotten dreams and joys rose to the surface, and the sweetness left me refreshed. The gift of imagination flowed free as new possibilities surfaced.
The designing process is not yet finished, and I can’t wait until all the beauty which has been created is revealed. I am bursting inside at the newfound inspiration and direction propelling me forward into the plans God has for me.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
But more than anything else, I am overwhelmed at the goodness of God to use such a simple question as “What do you like?” to chisel and sculpt and inspire toward growth in such a meaningful way.
Before you leave...
Be sure to visit our Featured Fresh Find over at Mary-andering Creatively where Mary Hill offers us fresh parenting encouragement. You’ll be encouraged to do one simple thing to make a profound impact in the life of your child as you follow your calling to instill God’s identity into their heart. Won’t you please visit Mary’s and leave her some Fresh Market Friday encouragement…because we all need a little encouragement.
And, don’t forget to link your post below by following the instructions so you could be the next Featured Fresh Find!
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I’m linking up over at Truth & Grace, #TellHisStory, Testimony Tuesday