God’s Gift of Creativity
The mall nearest our home is in the neighboring community of Crestwood. When we first came to the area it was a bustling enterprise. Both the mall and Watson road were packed at Christmas time. Now there are hardly any stores open. The five jewelry stores are closed as are the two bookstores. Once cell phone kiosks dotted the mallscape, now there are none. Only Sears remains as an anchor. Subway is the lone occupant of the food court. Nevertheless, something exciting is occurring besides us mall walkers.
A group called ArtSpace is turning the stores into locations for art of various kinds to come together in one spot. At least three theaters put on plays. One is having an”O Henry” Christmas. Several dance studios occupy former stores. As I walked in my quiet sneakers the sound of hammering heals echoed down the halls as dancers in one location learned Irish dancing while in another women practiced flamenco steps. Two art jewelry stores have replaced the five commercials ventures. One store features art made in Missouri, another has homemade rugs. A fire engine museum occupies still another store. So it goes as one walks the mall. Photography, antiques, sculpture, repurposed goods, clothing, pottery, children’s art classes and displays are scattered along the path of the walker.
Of course there are a few commercial stores open yet. Bath and Body has a spot across from Victoria’s Secret. A couple of shoes stores remain after even Payless closed last week.
We have a creative God as is evidenced in the varied wonder of creation itself. But He has given to the human being the gift of creativity. To see so much of it coming together in one spot is a wonder.
I was looking ahead at some texts for this coming January. One of the gospel lessons is “The wedding at Cana” where Jesus created wine out of water. Christ in his ministry demonstrated his creativity as he created health in the unhealthy, wiped out sins in the sinners, and gave renewed life to the lifeless.
Someday we will get to experience the eternity He has created for us.
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