The Measure of Our Creation

Last year President Uchtdorf gave a talk to the women of the church. Since then it has been on my mind. He spoke of creation and creativity. I am just going to paraphrase some of it for you. He spoke of the many people who claim they have no creative ability (me! I am one of those people) and told us that we as children of God, the most creative being ever, do indeed have creativity, it is inherited from our Father.

"If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination."

But what is the big deal about being creative, right? Why is it so important that we are creating things? President Uchtdorf teaches

"But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fullness of joy.4 Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things."

And again, that brings us to people like me, seemingly void of all creative ability. He explained that creativity extends past the pen or paper or musical instrument.

"Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

And my favorite quote of all:

"Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. “There is a great work for the Saints to do,” he said. “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.”6"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Happiness, Your Heritage,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 117–20

D&C 88:119 teaches us to "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a ^bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

I believe that part of that organizing ourselves is stretching and growing in ways that are new to us. We should be finding creative outlets and ways to beautify our surroundings and our very lives. One such way is by making our homes beautiful and harmonious.

Not only does creating things improve one's surroundings, it improves one's self. I think these words are very sage advice that we should try to live by for the sanity of ourselves and our families.

"Sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don't allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it."

M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 110