By Edie Melson @DiAnnMills

This week’s blog post is by my dear friend and writer Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve been where you are—weary and ready for relief. Some months that seems to be a place where I live. I provided support for my mother while she cared for my father during the last years of his life. That meant hours spent in hospitals, waiting rooms, assisted living and finally through the hospice process.

All of that while juggling full-time commitments that didn’t stop just because I had additional duties. During that time my soul cried out for relief. I knew more time with God would provide the peace I craved, but time for a bible study or any kind of a retreat was impossible.

Finding Soul Care Through Creative Expression

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So I learned how to carve out moments of connection through creativity. I began carrying a small pouch in my purse with a few colored pencils, markers and a sketch book. I would write out a Bible verse on a blank page and then decorate it. Sometimes I just outlined the letters with color. Other times I played around with doodling flowers, hearts and random lines.

I would journal other thoughts and prayers that God brought to mind. And slowly my soul began to blossom again—even in the midst of life’s crazy schedule.

That experience show me that I can find the rest I need when I reconnect with God through creativity. There’s something reflective and contemplative that happens when we allow ourselves time to play while focusing on God.

So it’s time to trade your to-do list in for a pad of paper and art supplies.

Here’s how to start:

Remember this is a judgement-free zone. We’re not allowed to compare the supposed merit of our results with our expectations or with what anyone else creates. The point of these healing moments is strictly a time of play with our Heavenly Father.
Invite God to join you and ask Him to bring to mind a word or phrase or Bible verse. If all you hear is silence, Do a quick google search like this, “Bible verses about peace.” God’s word is healing. It doesn’t matter how we get to it.
Write what comes to mind or what you find on a blank sheet of paper.
Add some color and doodles. Remember, judgement-free zone. The point of this is play.
As other, related thoughts come to mind, write those down.

Pick the colors you love and use them with abandon. Remember that frustration with this process is tied tightly to expectations. Don’t let expectations of how something should look derail your experience with God.

Remember that anything new takes time to feel comfortable—even play—especially if you haven’t played in a long time. God wants to meet you right where you are. There’s no need for a silent get-away to experience the peace He has. So dust off your creativity and get ready to spend some memorable moments with your Creative Father.

Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, and as an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.